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From: David Shapiro
Date: 14 Oct 2008
Time: 13:21:56 -0500
Remote Name: 72.71.67.203
Hi Rick, You are asking a good question and received some excellent replies already. Imbedded in your question is an assumed definition of success and failure. Is 100% fluency the working definition of success? If so, therein is a big problem - no one, whether the person is one who stutters or not, can succeed under this unrealistic expectation. If a person who stutters comes to use his communication skills in ways s/he hadn’t previously (e.g., socializing, speaking in class, ordering in a restaurant, interviewing for jobs), independent of the fluency count (i.e., referred to as the “frequency fallacy” years ago by Gene Cooper), isn’t this increased use of communication reflective of success? In my mind, treatment needs to be characterized by collaboration, success, and fun. These characteristics usually enable each person who stutters to achieve his or her own best. That, in my mind, should be the clinical objective. Also, casting blame can be futile. As a person who stutters and a speech-language pathologist, I realize the importance of embracing a dual commitment to change and to be the agent or catalyst of change. I hope this helps. Keep succeeding! Good luck. David Shapiro