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From: Alan Badmington (to Elizabeth)
Date: 08 Oct 2005
Time: 16:23:02 -0500
Remote Name: 81.79.120.254
Hi Elizabeth, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my paper. Your comments and interest are greatly appreciated. My journey through life with a stutter spanned many decades and was, sometimes, tinged with heartache and frustration. However, I learned a great deal along the way and I'm very proud of what I achieved, in spite of my stutter. How would you council children who are about to commence that journey? Firstly, I would encourage them to talk openly about their problems - with family members, friends and therapists. I would implore them not to resort to avoidance strategies, but to face up to whatever fears they have (whether they relate to words or situations). If we avoid, the fear increases, resulting in even more avoidances. They simply spiral and have an even greater influence upon our lives. It has been my experience that avoidance plays a major part in many persons' stuttering. When I finally faced up to my fears, I found that they were merely thoughts in my head. Above all, do everything possible to encourage them to live their lives to the full. Encourage them to become involved in a wide range of activities, and assist them to develop their interpersonal skills by arranging for them to take part in social/educational/sporting/cultural events. Afford them access to stuttering support organisations, so that they become aware that they are not alone. It means a lot to know that there are others who experience similar difficulties with communication. May I respectfully suggest that you refer them to the excellent information that is available (for children and teens) on the Stuttering Homepage, as well as encouraging involvement with organisations such as FRIENDS; the National Stuttering Association; the British Stammering Association; the Stuttering Foundation of America etc. In addition to meeting other PWS, they would be exposed to some useful literature for children who stutter, parents, teachers and friends. It is of prime importance that we do not allow our stuttering to deter us from atempting what we wish to do in life. By learning about what other PWS have achieved (via these organisations, and, of course, such forums as this), they would discover role models who they might wish to emulate. Hopefully, you may find my comments of some assistance. Kindest regards Alan