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From: Gunars
Date: 10/14/02
Time: 11:22:16 PM
Remote Name: 206.63.151.166
Bob,
I had a similar instance in my Psy.D. program. We have a course where we give mainly oral intelligence tests to kids. These are video taped and then graded. For example, there are strings of digits that have to be read at 1 second intervals, such as 7, 2, 3, 4, 8, 7 and the kid has to remember and read repeat them.
In this class we also have group projects. I suggested that we do a group project on the bias in these tests. According to Bloodstein and other authors, the stuttering population has a 5% lower IQ than the general population. This, as we both know, is not accurate. This is due to the various biases introduced by these tests. (As an aside, in time I will do a study to prove this.)
Back to my story. One of the members in my group blithely says: "Maybe a better group project would be to show the impact of you giving a test to these kids who stutter, since I have heard you sometimes stuttering." :-) Talk about being caught off guard! :-)
I just let it slide.:-) Looking him squarely in the eye I said that it would be more valuable to the twenty five future psychologists to know that these tests ARE biased, than following one psychologist, such as me.
One of my hypotheses is that desensitization is very important, if not the most important element in stuttering therapy of adults. So I am making sure that every time I meet this dude I talk to him about my stuttering. :-) I ask him if it bothers him. :-) I ask him if he has known anybody who stutters. :-) I ask him if he has dreams about stuttering. :-) So far I have not overdone it, but I do think that one of these days it might dawn on him that I am pulling his leg. :-) Then maybe not.:-)
Now, if you have self-doubts,… :-) (Just kidding, Bob. Just kidding! :-)
Being serious again. I have a hypothesis that there are some common aspects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and chronic adult stuttering. We have been traumatized by some, or even a lot, stuttering situation events. In the next couple years I will let you know how my hypothesis checks out.
Respectfully,
Gunars