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From: Cathy Olish
Date: 02 Oct 2009
Time: 08:38:41 -0500
Remote Name: 136.2.1.153
Hey Lauren. Thank you for your comment. First off, have you ever talked to Timothy about his stuttering? Has he ever mentioned it to you? Your answer would determine the next step. I went to my first conference because I was attending local chapter meetings and heard they were great. Since one of my good friends from the group was going, I decided to go - I think we made a mutual decision to go together. There were ten people from our chapter going so I felt safer knowing I knew others. Also, it was close by so that really clinched my decision to go. If your friend has not mentioned it to you, or has in a small way, I do not think he would be offended that you tell him about the NSA. At first he may feel embarrassed, but imagine how much you can improve his life by sharing with him all the great tools that are available for people who stutter. Also, many who stutter feel alone, like they are the only ones who stutter and if you can connect him to other people who stutter who can relate to what he goes through, you can really make a difference in his life. The NSA is the perfect place for that as they offer chapter meetings, workshops and conferences. The easiest way to tell him about all of this is through e-mail - we know e-mail is less personable and you can say more of what you want to say and not have to worry about either of you being uncomfortable. Perhaps send him the link to this conference or my article and tell him that it reminds you of him - that he is not the only one who changes names for things (i.e. Taco Bell, Starbucks, etc.). Also, include the one to the NSA - www.westutter.org that can tell him all the different ways he can meet other people who stutter. Lastly, there is a group for covert people who stutter (and anyone who is interested in learning more about it) that he can join that offers free support from other covert people who stutter where as he can join in on the conversation or sit back and listen. To join, he can go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Covert-S/ I would also be happy to e-mail him to have a more personal conversation as I have been where he is at - if interested, either you or he can e-mail me off-line at nsavolunteers@aol.com. Hope this helps!