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From: Dick Mallard
Date: 16 Oct 2006
Time: 09:17:28 -0500
Remote Name: 70.120.195.121
Stacy, I am not in favor of promoting avoidance for anyone who stutters. Stuttering is a problem that needs to be solved by the person who has the problem. Professional guidance is needed sometimes as the individual seeks to deal with and eventually solve his/her problem. Of course, individual differences and circumstances must be taken into account. This is why I favor a problem solving approach to treatment. When an individual learns to make decisions and then deal with the consequences of those decisions, progress can be made. Our job as professionals is to present the variables that need to be considered and then assist the person in making the proper decision that will be in the person's best long-term interest. The problem comes when the individual cannot see long-term benefits and makes a decision that sastisfies an immediate need. The example you gave is perfect. It is not in the child's best long-term interest to not speak in class but he/she may decide to take that route due to present fears. We cannot force someone to make the correct decisions for long-term success. We can, however, present options and then be ready to assist the person in dealing with consequences.