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From: Tim Mackesey
Date: 10/1/03
Time: 8:16:55 PM
Remote Name: 68.211.113.142
Ellen-Marie,
This is an important consideration for those listening to a pws. I know that, for example, Native Americans and some Oriental cultures, do not ordinarily practice direct eye contact whe n greeting. Other pragmatic features such as hand shaking are different or even discouraged in some cultures.
It would be important for a listener to consider these aspects you mention. Once you have "calibrated" their eye patterns you can then evaluate. If the person stutters, you might note if they avert right before and or during the stutter. That isolates aspect of eye pattern would have clinical importance.
I had a family in from Turhey this year. The father was in Atlanta for business and they sought help for the child (age 5-5). In my lobby I did not understand their native language. I noted early on that the boy looked up and right each time he blocked.
We can all benefit from considering the whole person before diagnosing.
Cheers, Tim