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From: Dick Mallard
Date: 11 Oct 2010
Time: 06:56:04 -0500
Remote Name: 70.115.247.185
Judy, you are asking the questions most parents ask relative of what to do. This is why I focus my treatment with the family to teach them what to do to handle situations just like you describe. My suggestion to you is to keep the lines of communication open with her. You did the right thing in asking her about her dysfluency. Also, I have no problem with you removing yourself from the situation due to difficulty in hearing her talk. You might ask her what she wants you to do when she is having a difficult time. You might explain that it is somewhat hard to listen to her when she is having more trouble than other times. People who stutter need to understand that communication involves a speaker and listener and sometimes it is hard for the listener to sit through the stuttering. You might also ask her what she thinks she might do to help you listen better when she is having a bad day. The idea here is to be open and honest with what you experience and how you react during her speech. Ask her how best to handle situations relative to her communication. You might be surprised at what she says and suggests! Be sure she understands you are talking about her talking only and not her as a person in general. There are so many more options here that I do not have time to explore. If you wish to continue this dialogue you can contact me at amallard@satx.rr.com. Best wishes to you and your daughter.