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From: Julia Irani
Date: 04 Oct 2008
Time: 01:12:44 -0500
Remote Name: 202.70.149.199
Hello! I'm a PWS in Karachi, Pakistan and we've been working on establishing the Pakistan Stammering Association ( pakistanstammering.org) with the help of the ISA. The aim is to spread awareness and create an outlet for those who stutter in Pakistan. We're in the very early stages right now and we're currently holding support group meetings(SGM) in Karachi and Islamabad. I lead these meetings in Karachi. One aspect that has concerned me is that initially we held these meetings for anyone who stammers/stutters (all ages). We had an 8 yr old boy, along with a 70+ yr old gentleman attending the same meeting. I could tell that the child was being overpowered by the older folks. Also, I think adults carry with them a lot more baggage about stammering than a child ever would - so in my opinion, that didn't work well and I didn't go out of my way to encourage parents to bring their kids who stutter to these SGMs. I am curious - do SGM help kids if they were catered for kids alone? What age groups should be grouped together? What approach should be taken? What can we do at these SGMs? I know at the adult SGM, we discuss the stuttering iceberg and try to address teh issues below the surface, we discuss our fears, we use the meeting as a practice ground for public speaking (witha focus on different aspects for each speech - I use the excersizes in John harrison's book "how to overcome your fears of speaking before people", we act out plays and laugh hysterically, and just really engage in speaking - which seems to help adults. What can we do for kids? And for parents of these kids? I should also add, that Pakistan does not have a lot of qualified therapists available, and majority of the people will not be able to afford therapy even if it was available. Currently, a lot is based on "home remedies" and prayers. Therapy is somewhat of a western concept and in a country where survival and providing basic necessities is a constant effort - therapy is a privillege. Could someone please guide me on the fllowing: - How to create the best outlet for kids? - What I need to tell the parents in order to help their kids Look forward to getting some great advice! Thanks Judy - this is a fantastic outlet for us who need guidance about stammering in countries where there isn't much available! Best, Julia