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From: Lynne Shields
Date: 10/20/03
Time: 8:46:28 PM
Remote Name: 68.90.65.186
Dear Nicholas,
You asked several questions about your six-year-old client. Regarding when it is appropriate to give his stuttering a name, I'd say that it isn't really necessary to do this unless he asks about it or shows awareness by referring to his fluency in some way himself. I rarely label it with preschool children, and with kindergarten and first grade children, I talk about their speech using the terms they use. If they seem unaware, then I don't feel the need to label their stuttering at all. Concerning your second questions about therapy approach, you report thaT this child is doing well with an indirect method of treatment. I would not suggest making any changes at this point, if that is the case. You also pointed out that this child has phonological issues as well as fluency ones. As long as you are not seeing an increase in stuttering when speech sounds are addressed, I would see no need for concern. It is a good idea to be aware that at tiems, focusing directly on speech sounds may lead to an increase in stuttering, so that you can modify your treatment if this occurs.
Best wishes as you continue to work with this child.
Regards,
Lynne