Put a Spell on Stuttering

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Put a Spell on Stuttering

From: Valerie Sirotnikova (SLP Grad Student)
Date: 19 Oct 2008
Time: 21:35:28 -0500
Remote Name: 24.185.141.149

Comments

What an excellent article! I love how stuttering is compared to the power of a spell, in which one is unable to take control of their articulators. This idea clearly depicts the struggles of an individual who stutters. It was wonderful how stuttering is also compared to the Harry Potter films, which can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Personally, I’ve enjoyed all of the films numerous times. However, I was never aware of the films metaphors to stuttering prior to reading this article. For example: how the characters in Harry Potter survived a dangerous vine only once they stopped fighting the plant and relaxed. It was insightful comparing this scene to the fluency of those who stutter. I especially liked how the article emphasizes the importance of having a positive outlook towards those who stutter, and frowns upon how the character Professor Quirrell in Harry Potter is portrayed as weak because of his stutter. Also, I appreciated the section regarding how it is vital for PWS to not allow fear stop them from speaking. This idea is important for clinicians to emphasize in therapy, and I plan to do so in my own career. Much like how the invisibility cloak from Harry Potter allows one to be unseen by others, many individuals avoid speaking situations because of a fear that others may see them stutter. This article motivates those who fear stuttering to not let their fear define who they are, and is truly inspiring!


Last changed: 10/19/08