[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Dick Mallard
Date: 21 Oct 2009
Time: 06:53:26 -0500
Remote Name: 70.115.247.181
Brooke, I absolutely love this question. The first thing to learn about problem solving is to let the person decide what to do about the problem and then let them experience the consequences of their decision (within limits, of course). If a child or adult does not want to deal with stuttering, then I tell them I respect that decision and when or if they get ready and if they choose to work with me just let me know. The problem comes with the parents. They want the child to do something now! Then you have to educate the parents as to the value of letting the child manage the problem which in this case means do noting. One of my most memorable cases was a ninth grade boy whose mother as insistent that he get help. I met with them and the boy did not want therapy. Long story short, the mother agreed to step out of the speech picture and let the boy and I manage the problem. She was relieved! He called me every year as asked if I was still "doing that program." When he was in college he called and said the following, "Dr. Mallard, you still doin' that program? I am ready! I have to take speech and I want to be a doctor so it is time I do something." We did our thing, he did great, and is now a practicing physician. What do you think would have happened had we made the boy "go to speech" when he did not want to or have a need to at the time? Stuttering does not kill anyone. It is far and away better to wait until the person is ready for help and then start. Your success rate will improve greatly if you follow that route--I promise! Thanks again for this great question.