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From: Lynne Shields
Date: 10/23/02
Time: 9:28:13 AM
Remote Name: 199.217.208.172
Michelle,
I'll weigh in on this one. Not sure if others will, since the conference is officially over. I have to say that I do not think it is possible to do effective fluency therapy with a child who is in a group comprised of children having articulation problems. This type of grouping is typically the result of caseloads for school clinicians that are much too high. I understand the frustration of trying to schedule children for treatment, but I do believe that it is imperative that this child have individual sessions if there is not an appropriate group for him/her. In my book, two 10-15 minute sessions alone, focusing on fluency strategies, teasing, talking in class, or whatever the issues, are far better uses of time and are likely to be far more effective than even two hours of group therapy where all of the other children are working on different issues. The longer group sessions are most likely a waste of this child's time and a disservice to him or her.
I'm sorry that I can't help you with solutions within the group setting you describe, Michelle, but I simply don't think that this is workable. Best wishes to you in trying to provide services for this child.
Regards,
Lynne