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From: Alan Badmington (to Judy)
Date: 21 Oct 2006
Time: 15:18:23 -0500
Remote Name: 84.66.156.242
Hi Judy, You certainly know how to exercise my ageing grey matter ;-) You initially enquired, “Let’s suppose you had an SLP knowledgeable about stuttering at various points in your life. How do you think it might have changed your choices, if at all?” Judy, I’ve had very limited contact with speech-language pathologists/therapists during my life. I recall having a few brief meetings with a female SLT (here in the UK) when I was about 8 years of age, but I cannot remember anything about anything that happened during those consultations. I received further therapy when I was aged 11/12 years. If my recollection is correct, the latter simply involved reading aloud in the clinician’s room. I’m sure that there was never any suggestion as to what I should do in the outside world. However, that was many years ago (about the time that the wheel was invented) – I appreciate that things have changed considerably since then. ;-) Ironically, I have made the acquaintance of so many SLPs/SLTs during recent years (in an entirely different context), since I have come to terms with my stuttering problem. I was very proud of what I achieved while serving as a police officer, despite the many setbacks/disappointments that I encountered. It would, undoubtedly, have been helpful for me to have been able to consult someone during the 20 years that I used the Edinburgh Masker. In particular, I feel that I would have benefited considerably had I received an explanation of the implications of avoidance. I was totally oblivious to the fact that every time I substituted a word, I was fuelling my fears of saying that word. OK, that practice allowed me to cope with certain speaking situations but my avoidances came with a price. I was able to hide for so long, but the time came when the situation demanded that I said a specific word (or words). When that happened, the fear level had multiplied enormously, thereby increasing the difficulties that I experienced. Had I been aware of the consequences/implications, I would certainly have reduced my practice of changing the words around. As you mentioned, the Masker assisted me to regain my much needed contact with the public, yet it became my mechanical crutch. Maybe I should have worn it with less frequency (and reduced the dependence), but there was no-one to advise me how it should be used. I was left to my own initiatives. When I was giving evidence in a murder trial (my role required that I did so on many occasions); consoling a mother following the death of her young daughter in an accident; or formally charging someone with a criminal offence; then I make no excuse for wanting to be as fluent as possible. People simply didn’t expect someone in my position to stutter. Consequently, I leaned heavily upon my mechanical crutch. Speaking (whilst wearing the Masker) allowed me to develop good interpersonal skills. Without it, I suspect that I would have avoided some of the challenging speaking situations that I encountered. I, certainly, benefited from using the device, despite the dependency that it created. Judy, your role as an SLP is challenging - every PWS is different. An approach that has assisted one of your clients may be totally unsuitable (or unacceptable) for another. The symptoms, life experiences, emotional baggage, expectations, aspirations etc vary immensely from person to person. The unique nature of stuttering rules out a common approach. My understanding is that the treatment of PWS does not figure prominently in the workload of many SLPs. Consequently, their experience of dealing with PWS may be somewhat limited. Those SLPs who specialize in this area have an obvious advantage, and greater expertise. You make the point that some of your students are content with avoidance. I’m not surprised – I followed a similar practice for more than 50 years.;-) What’s more, many people in life avoid things that they fear, or which cause them discomfort. It’s not uncommon. But, as long as we continue to avoid, then our self-limiting beliefs and fears will remain (and become strengthened even further). Our thoughts and behaviours will be in accordance with those beliefs, and our self-image (how we view ourselves). I know that you have read my paper about expanding comfort zones (the one I wrote for the 2003 ISAD Online Conference), so I will not dwell upon its contents here. I’ll simply say that if we fail to venture outside our comfort zones, we eliminate risk, but severely limit our personal and professional growth. I strongly believe that the only limitations are those that we impose upon ourselves. I think that it is quite proper (and desirable) for an SLP to explain the principles of avoidance and expanding comfort zones to their clients. Indeed, I know that some SLPs use my comfort zone paper, and poem ‘Changing the Words Around’, with their clients. I fully appreciate that some will need a greater degree of prodding/encouragement than others. But, at the end of the day, the decision lies solely with the client – he/she is responsible for the path they choose in life. In the case of children, I would expect parents to have an involvement/input. You further asked if I would have preferred to receive good therapy instead of using the Edinburgh Masker. Judy, that’s another interesting question ;-) If the therapy had been similar to the holistic approach that I commenced in May 2000, then the answer is a resounding “YES!” I have seen it transform the lives of so many people (of all ages). I know it would have benefited me at an earlier age. You also enquired if you should dare your students to befriend technology, or wait until they come to their own decision. I guess that would depend very much upon the individual; his/her enthusiasm for embracing such changes; and his/her/your perception of that person’s capacity to accept such challenges. I believe it is perfectly acceptable for the SLP to discuss such an approach with clients and elicit their response. However, raising the matter would not (in my view) be sufficient. I feel that the SLP would need to explain the possible advantages/implications of embarking upon such a course of action. Judy, whilst typing this response, I have realised just how much I benefited from the group therapy that I commenced in 2000 (when I discarded the Edinburgh Masker). Unlike the conventional one-to-one therapy, (where I feel a PWS can feel a little isolated), I was able to experience the encouragement, support, camaraderie etc of fellow PWS. The fact that I was also witnessing (and conversing with) other PWS who had previously successfully trodden a similar path, had a huge impact upon my understanding (and the gains that I made). I, certainly, feel that it is easier to motivate oneself when in the company of others who are also challenging themselves in a like manner. Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to your post, but I have been rather busy of late, with yet more speaking engagements. I did not intend my reply to be of such a lengthy nature – the words kept coming as I sat in front of the keyboard. I’m not really going to have time to check my writing – so I hope it makes sense. ;-) Judy, it’s always a pleasure to communicate with you. Hopefully, our paths will cross one day in the future. Kindest regards Alan