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From: Lynne Shields
Date: 20 Oct 2010
Time: 09:23:30 -0500
Remote Name: 68.188.68.2
Ari, I understand how people who have had poor services come to the conclusion that there are no good SLPs. It seems to be human nature to overgeneralize to an entire population, based on one or two exposures; to stereotype a group. All we can do is address the issue one person at a time, each of us, whether SLPs, who can seek continued education in the area of fluency, and give of their time to educate the public and other SLPs, and consumers, who can share both their positive and negative experiences. I'd like to see the issue approached similar to the way many of us deal with physicians. In the process of selecting a pediatrician for my children, I interviewed several doctors. In my own case, when I have been treated by a physician who, in my opinion, gave poor advice or medical care, I declined to see them again (saving my money, as you mentioned), and made it my business to seek out a different physician. I did not assume that all physicians were poor caregivers simply on the basis of a few doctors who probably should not have been treating patients. When someone contacts me seeking fluency treatment, I suggest that we meet or talk over the phone to discuss their concerns and my approach to treatment, allowing them to make an informed choice before committing to treatment. A problem that has been decades in the making cannot be changed quickly. I do see more presence of stuttering in the public eye, and there needs to be more in order to turn things around to the positive. So, I remain hopeful. Regards, Lynne