[ Contents | Search | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Charlie Healey
Date: 18 Oct 2007
Time: 14:51:17 -0500
Remote Name: 129.93.99.57
Maria: This is an excellent question and I don't have THE answer of what to say to parents that will work in all cases. Most of the time, the child conveys through body language or an indifference to what's going on that he/she doesn't want therapy. For a parent, this is difficult to come to grips with because they want to help their child all they can and it is frustrating when the child doesn't want help. However, I talk to the parent about what therapy is all about, which is helping the child feel more comfortable with himself and his stuttering. If he doesn't want to work on his speech, we have to accept that at this time. There isn't anything a parent or clinician is going to do that will make a difference. Some middle school and high school students really are okay with their stuttering and don't want to go to therapy because it isn't cool and they don't get singled out. So, my approach is to counsel the parent to be patient, understanding, and focus on the positive things the child does or can do, rather than his/her stuttering. I also try to reassure the parent that treatment is available at any time the child wants to return and some day the child will probably be interested in getting help. Eventually, parents realize that they can't force their child to change and they learn to let go of the need for treatment. I also let the parents vent their frustrations of not being able to help their child. These discussions are never easy and no one really feels good afterwards but there is an understanding that that's the way things are going to be.