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From: Pam
Date: 01 Oct 2009
Time: 13:51:42 -0500
Remote Name: 163.153.6.70
I really liked most of the ideas in this paper. I lived a life of secrecy for many years, and stayed hidden in my covert closet, fearing to come out most of the time. I did three years ago, and have felt more liberated and empowered than at any other time of my life. . . . Now that I am "open" about my stuttering, I find countless opportunities to educate and raise awareness. But I do still feel the sting of stigma and social punishment often, as the general public just does not see stuttering as just another way to communicate. While the notion of transfluency is a great one, I think it will require a huge mind-shift for the public, as well as some in the speech field. Some SLP's think fluencu is the answer and that thier approach will help PWS become normal speakers (whatever noraml is). . . On the idea of de-medicalizing stuttering. I agree that stuttering needs to be removed from the categories of compulsive disorders and not be seen as a mental health issue. But elimintating the medical model for stuttering treatment totally? I think that is needed, so that people who stutter can have the full range of choices and options. Medically, at least stuttering would covered by health insurances, which now it is not. And under the medical umbrella, continued research will be possible, which is sorely needed. . . Since stuttering is neural-based, I think the medical model has to stay. How long have you been thinking of this transfluent approach? It certainly is a neat word!