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From: Alan (to Kyleigh and Laci)
Date: 12 Oct 2010
Time: 16:22:03 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.70.223
Hi Kyleigh and Laci, Thank you for commenting upon my paper. It has been my experience that some SLPs (and graduate students) join online stuttering groups in order to gain a better understanding about stuttering. Probably the safest (and most supportive) forum for you to join would be the long-established Stutt-L, which comprises professional members, PWS and others associated with stuttering (parents, spouses etc). I should mention that certain online forums can be very confrontational, with some PWS responding most aggressively to questions posed by SLPs (and students). This may well be due to personal frustrations caused by their lack of success with past therapy. You may wish to note that Stutt-L has recently moved to a new location at Googlegroups. Guidance on how to join can be found at: http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/stutt-l/subscribe.doc or http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/stutt-l/subscribe.pdf As members, you would be able to pose questions by email; participate in discussions and debates; share experiences; or simply observe (and learn from) the interactions of others. The new group is managed by Judith Kuster, Vivian Sisskin and Nan Bernstein Ratner, all prominent figures within the stuttering community. You may also be interested to know that there is an abundance of information about stuttering available on the websites of the Stuttering Homepage (http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/ National Stuttering Association (http://www.nsastutter.org/ and the Stuttering Foundation of America (http://www.stuttersfa.org/ As I have not received formal therapy for many, many years, I am unfamiliar with how SLPs currently agree upon a plan of action with their clients. However, if I were about to re-commence therapy, then I would wish/expect my SLP to discuss with me my past experiences (at length) with a view to developing hierarchies. The goals should be clearly explained, achievable and subject to the agreement of both parties. Each PWS is unique, so there would not be any ‘one-fit’ approach that could be applied to all clients. Account should be taken of the individual’s background and life experiences; degree of emotional baggage; aspirations and expectations; specific difficulties, fears and other pertinent factors. I feel it is also important for the SLP to provide support /encouragement/motivation to the client when he/she undertakes some of the speaking challenges, particularly in the initial stages. You may wish to read my response to Jackie C (October 12) in which I touched upon this matter in more detail. One final point – we should never shirk from telling ourselves (and others) what we have achieved. I spent a lifetime accumulating, recounting and giving far too much prominence to the memories of negative speaking experiences. As a result, my stutter flourished and thrived. The more I nourished and sustained it – the more it took hold. I make no excuse for having reversed that trait. I now constantly remind myself of the successes I enjoy. I feel it would be useful if you encouraged your client(s) to celebrate their achievements. If you feel that I have not dealt sufficiently with the specific points that you raised, please don’t hesitate to come back to me. I wish you both every success with your studies and future careers. Kindest regards Alan