Addressing Anxiety: A mindful collaboration between behavioral health therapists and speech language professionals

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Gaining confidence from good interpersonal skills

From: Alan Badmington
Date: 20 Oct 2012
Time: 11:27:20 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.98.96

Comments

Hi Michael, Thank you for a most interesting paper. Having spent time in the company of (and/or corresponded/interacted with) numerous PWS during recent years, I am aware that many experience anxiety. I recognise that I am so fortunate in this respect, as I am not affected in this manner. I think there are several reasons. Firstly, the nature of my past employment (namely a police officer) brought me into regular contact with members of the public. Secondly, I wore a prosthetic device (the Edinburgh Masker) for more than 20 years. Although the latter never made me fluent, it gave me the confidence to speak in situations that (I know) I would, otherwise, have avoided. Expanding my comfort zones in this manner enabled me to acquire very useful interpersonal skills. I simply adore social interaction and feel at ease in all environments. Conversely, it has been my experience than many PWS (quite understandably) tend to remain on the fringes of conversation, thus denying themselves opportunities to become proficient conversationalists. Most fluent people generally acquire these skills progressively from an early age. I, wholeheartedly, agree that many PWS could benefit from managing their anxiety. Taking charge of my thoughts (not just in relation to stuttering) has put me in control of my life. Incidentally, I am familiar with the SAS, as it was discussed on one of the online forums a few years. I recall submitting myself to the test and (if my ageing memory serves me correctly) I scored less than 10. (smiley) Thank you for sharing. Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/22/12