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From: Scott
Date: 07 Oct 2012
Time: 21:19:30 -0500
Remote Name: 108.17.124.241
Hi Jessie - Thanks for your post. Yes, unfortunately, it is true that negative experiences associated with stuttering can have lasting implications for people's self-construct and outlook on life. Ultimately, it's something he will have to work through, but this is not always easy to do. This happens not only with stuttering, of course - any time a person is separated from others due to misunderstanding and discrimination (bigotry), such difficulties can arise. As for what you can do? Well, it's interesting that you asked what you could do as an SLP - I think what you can do most is respond as a friend and just let him know - by demonstrating your acceptance of him and his history - that it's okay with you that he stutters; that it's understandable that he struggles; that it's acceptable that he's working through this and needs time... I wouldn't think that you need to do anything "clinical" (as an SLP) but rather just to respond with empathy for his unique experiences. Maybe try not to view it as your responsibility as an SLP to do anything with/for/to him... Sometimes, our friends need our understanding more than our guidance. They need to be able to be them and know that they still have friends. I know that's not necessarily the answer you were looking for, but that would be my personal first thought... I'll look forward to what others think... Thanks again for reading the paper... And, please convey to your friend that he's not alone in facing his struggles...he has you - and, a world of other people who stutter who understand somewhat what he's been through. S