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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 10/21/03
Time: 3:11:00 PM
Remote Name: 195.92.67.209
Hi Pablo,
Thank you for your contribution and kind comments. I apologise for the delay in responding but I have been away from home, without Internet access.
In answer to your queries:
(1) My recovery commenced in 2000 when I joined a speech programme. I initially made rapid gains in a controlled environment, where my blocks virtually disappeared. Whilst attending that course, I began expanding my comfort zones with the help and support of fellow PWS who fully understood my feelings - offering me support, advice and compassion.
(2) On leaving the course environment, I continued to venture into more challenging speaking situations - still maintaining a remarkable improvement in my fluency. I had occasional dysfluencies (I hesitate to call them blocks), but I was able to deal with them, without difficulty, using the new techniques and tools that I had acquired.
(3) My stuttering blocks have never really returned, so I am unable to comment upon Woody Starkweather's statement that they initially diminish in duration, then in in frequency. I totally ignore the rare minor dysfluencies that have since occurred, preferring to focus upon the positive aspects of every speaking situation. My original stutter was fuelled by the memories of bad speaking situations - now, I starve it by immediately despatching any minor blips to the trash can. 'Fluent' speakers do not pay attention to their little dysfluencies - why should I?
You are to be congratulated upon your personal approach to your own speech problem. Our fears about stuttering are only thoughts in our minds and, as a general rule, do not present us with any physical danger. Isn't it a wonderful feeling to be able to face up to your fears and fulfil roles that you always felt lay outside your scope.
I wish you every success with your journey.
Kindest regards
Alan