Technology: A Friend or Foe of Someone who Stutters?

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Re: "A Crutch"

From: Alan Badmington (to Elizabeth)
Date: 19 Oct 2006
Time: 13:03:49 -0500
Remote Name: 84.69.79.155

Comments

Hi Elizabeth, Having come into contact with several thousand persons who stutter (face to face, and via the Internet/telephone) during the past six years, I am aware that many (if not most) have used various tricks/ploys to help them deal with their stuttering. They include such things as stamping a foot; slapping a leg; clicking the fingers/tongue; making a humming noise (or some other sound) immediately prior to speaking etc. The list is endless - the tricks differ from person to person. Some of these tricks/ploys may work for a while (in effect they become temporary crutches), but then their effectiveness wanes. The PWS is likely to adopt a new trick/ploy, generally with the same negative outcome. For the majority of my life, I held the belief that I could not speak when I was the centre of attention. In order to combat this, I developed the discourteous trait of interrupting others when they were speaking, particularly where I was in a group of people. I did this because (when I started making my contribution) the attention of others was directed towards the person who was speaking, and not me. I would contribute a few quick words and then withdraw from the conversation before eyes turned in my direction. If someone did not hear what I had said, and asked me to repeat – I would invariably block and have extreme difficulty speaking. Today, I have ceased all tricks/ploys (and discarded my mechanical crutch), but I fully understand why other PWS might resort to such practices. I wish you every success with your studies. Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/23/06