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From: Ken St. Louis
Date: 10/6/03
Time: 11:26:53 AM
Remote Name: 157.182.12.31
Dear Maryann,
Dick has given you some good ideas to think about. I agree that we don't "fix" anybody. Instead, we can serve as guides, coaches, and sensitive listeners to help people help themselves.
I, too, have observed that some stuttering clinicians/teachers tend to view the problem primarily in light of their own experiences. But I would take issue that this is the rule rather than the exception. It is those of of who have "been around the block a few times" who are most aware that simple answers are just that, simple answers." Most of the stuttering clinicians I know, including those on this panel who happen to stutter, are more open-minded about treatment than rank-and-file SLPs or even treated stutterers. In our NSA support group, I frequently serve as a mediator when someone who *believes in* a certain approach proceeds to advocate it for everyone.
The longer I'm around, the more sure I am that there is not--and probably never will be--a single explanation for stuttering or a single successful treatment. I am certain that many of my students wish I would tell them *the answer*, but I believe I would be doing them and the field a disservice to do that.
Thanks for your post.
Ken