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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 17 Oct 2006
Time: 12:43:19 -0500
Remote Name: 84.68.227.85
Hi Megan, Thank you for taking the time to contact me. Your comments are most valued. I’m pleased that you found my paper of interest – I certainly enjoyed writing it. Prosthetic devices can play (and are playing) a useful role in helping PWS to deal with their stuttering problems. However, I feel that the wearer will derive the greatest benefit when the apparatus is utilised in conjunction with some kind of therapy/approach or stuttering management. During the 20 years that I made use of the Edinburgh Masker, I did not receive therapy of any kind. I existed by applying my own initiative and ideas. I feel that I would have benefited more if I had received guidance about my continued practice of word substitution. I simply did not understand (at that time) that every time I avoided a word, the fear increased. If persons who stutter restrict the use of the device to less challenging speaking situations, then they will continue to have self-limiting beliefs about those situations that they avoid. The old fears, doubts and negative emotions will remain. As I mentioned in my paper, our thoughts and actions are influenced by our beliefs and self-image. Unless we change those, we will continue to have a stuttering mindset – our behaviour will be in accordance with the beliefs that we hold and the way in which we view ourselves. Returning to the question of speech therapy; PWS can, of course, use various techniques while wearing the device. When I eventually discarded the Masker, I acquired new tools/techniques. I used them as a means to an end – I used them to change my stuttering mindset. Having changed my beliefs and eliminated my fears, I am no longer dependent upon any technique. I believe that a prosthetic device can be used in that manner, if the wearer chooses. It is a personal decision. I wish you every success with your studies. Kindest regards Alan