Technology: A Friend or Foe of Someone who Stutters?

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Re: Technology and the young (at heart)

From: Alan Badmington
Date: 03 Oct 2006
Time: 05:34:05 -0500
Remote Name: 81.79.40.230

Comments

Hi Beth, Your subject heading includes the words, 'Young at heart'. Can I assume that you are referring to me ;-) I had been mulling over the effect that technology has on the lives of persons who stutter for quite a while. I simply felt it was time to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). It's perfectly natural for young PWS to use IM and text messaging when communicating. As you say, that's exactly what their friends are doing. You also correctly recognise the possibility that such a practice (by PWS) may well constitute avoidance. I did not appreciate the extent to which avoidance had encroached upon my life until I took stock of the situation some six years ago. It had insidiously crept into my everyday existence and hugely influenced my decisions and actions. I believe that interpersonal skills, in general, suffer from the increased use of technology. Conversation is an art that develops from speaking with others. The very nature of stuttering is such that, sadly, some PWS are not proficient in that area. Many have remained on the fringes of social interaction throughout their lives. As I mentioned in my article, I'm not being critical of those who practise avoidance - after all, I followed such a path for most of my life. However, I think it is useful to draw the immense implications to the attention of PWS. I only wish that someone had explained the situation to me when I was younger. Thank you for your generous comments. I hope to catch up with you, again, in the not too distant future. Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/23/06