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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 20 Oct 2008
Time: 05:23:59 -0500
Remote Name: 195.194.75.225
Hi Leys, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your interesting paper. I have long advocated the need for PWS to be more open about their stuttering. How can we expect others to understand what is happening, or know how to react, when we suddenly block or display secondary behaviours? In many instances, even members of our own families have little knowledge about the difficulties that we experience. During the past seven years, I have undertaken an extensive programme of talks to community organisations in the UK, aimed at increasing public awareness about stuttering. I have also spoken to the media both in the UK and the USA. I have been so heartened by the favourable reactions I have received. As a result, I have become totally desensitised. My beliefs and perceptions of what others think about my speech are now extremely positive. This has greatly assisted my passage to self-acceptance. I earnestly believe that the lives of many people who stutter can be significantly improved by creating a greater public understanding of our difficulties. I feel that we all have our part to play in increasing awareness - it is to our mutual benefit. Having said that, I fully appreciate that the very nature of the problem is such that many PWS do not feel they have the confidence to accept such challenges. I am well aware of your sterling efforts to fly the flag for those who stutter. Long may you continue! Kindest regards Alan