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From: Lynne Shields
Date: 11 Oct 2007
Time: 15:47:56 -0500
Remote Name: 68.143.177.2
Gunars, It's good to see you participating on this conference. I enjoyed meeting you in person at the SID4 meeting this summer. You asked whether I agree with Mark Onslow's statement regarding the intractability of chronic stuttering. Defining "intractable" as 'difficult to treat', I have to say that it all depends on the degree of severity of the chronic stuttering, and also the degree of impact that the stuttering has on the person's life. I do agree that stuttering can be difficult to treat for some people, and that stuttering may interfere with a person's life significantly. I do not believe that it necessarily follows that chronic stuttering cannot be treated, even when the disability is quite severe. And, I do not believe that the fact that someone has a chronic stuttering problem equates with significant disability. There is so much variation in stuttering and in the impact that stuttering has on the lives of those who stutter. I agree that successful early intervention for stuttering is ideal, as this result can prevent the further development of stuttering and the negative impact that stuttering may have on a child's life. Regards, Lynne