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From: Sophie
Date: 10/12/02
Time: 12:35:48 PM
Remote Name: 165.247.29.109
Dana,
Thank you for reading our article. We're very glad you enjoyed it.
Here is my attempt to answer your questions:
1. As a school SLP, what do you think would benefit young children?
It's difficult to give a simple answer since every child who stutters will be different, so what one child might find beneficial, the next child might not. I think, though, that one of the most important things an SLP can do is try to instill in the child the belief that how they speak is okay. Encourage them to feel good about themselves and their abilities despite the fact that they struggle on certain words from time to time.
If they want to do something to improve their speech, teach them whatever techniques you think will be useful. However, try to do it in the context that if the technique works, then great. But, if it doesn't, that's fine too. Fluency shouldn't be the ultimate goal. Feeling good about themselves should.
I would imagine this is much easier said than done, especially if teasing is a problem. But, the more children who stutter focus on what they are good at and the less they focus on their speech, I think the more likely they are to be able to get past their speaking struggles and do what they enjoy.
2. What knowledge would have helped you to come to terms with your stuttering earlier?
I think it would have helped to know that there are millions of people out there just like me, and that I wasn't alone. If I had visited the National Stuttering Association's web site when I was ten instead of when I was thirty, I think I would have felt less isolated and alone.
I hope the above helps. If not, I'll be happy to try again. Please keep in mind, though, that these are only my thoughts. I have no professional training or scientific evidence to back any of it up.
Thank you again, and best of luck with your graduate work.
Sophie