Technology: A Friend or Foe of Someone who Stutters?

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Re: Question

From: Alan Badmington
Date: 15 Oct 2006
Time: 16:35:49 -0500
Remote Name: 84.71.28.33

Comments

Hi Haley, Your post poses some interesting questions. As I intimated in my article, I believe that assistive technology is best used in conjunction with some kind of therapy/stuttering management. Our thoughts and actions are influenced by our beliefs, and the way in which we see ourselves. If we continue to hold self-limiting beliefs (the negative ones that stop us from doing things), and fail to widen our self-image to accommodate roles that we have always considered we could not undertake, then we will retain a stuttering mindset. We will continue to act in accordance with those beliefs, images and fears. We will continue fuelling our avoidance strategies and refrain from doing certain things (thus adding to the fears). You are correct - the Edinburgh Masker enabled me to develop my social/interpersonal skills by giving me the confidence to venture into speaking situations that I would, otherwise, have avoided. The quality of my social interaction continued to improve when I stopped using the device. This was due to the fact that my fluency improved rapidly when I commenced the new approach in May 2000. I simply went from strength to strength by expanding my comfort zones in so many challenging, exciting and satisfying areas. Thank you, so much, for taking the time to write to me. Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/23/06