This is a threaded discussion page for the International Stuttering Awareness Day
Online Conference paper, Adolescents who stutter: the urgent need for support
groups: A Parent's Perspective by Lee Caggiano.

Support Groups

From: Ellen Bennett
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:00:37 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Knowing that you are not alone in dealing with stuttering can have a powerful influence on one's perspective
of life in general. We found through our work with the Summer Fluency Camps, that children get such relief
in being able to relate to another child having similar problems. This is not new--as there have been other
camp experiences for children with communication disorders. But what surprises me is the lack of support for
children who stutter in the school setting. Very few school districts support the concepts being shared today--
just not enough $ to make it work. SLP's in the schools need to stand up and fight for support activities for
children who stutter and not fall prey to the district's lame excuses. If supported, one can do anything. I wish
there was more support for all children who stutter.

Re: Support Groups

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:01:11 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Ellen Please send more info on your summer camps. It sounds like an idea I may be very ready for! You
stated "Very few school districts support the concepts being shared today--just not enough $ to make it work.
SLP's in the schools need to stand up and fight for support activities for children who stutter and not fall prey
to the district's lame excuses. If supported, one can do anything. I wish there was more support for all
children who stutter." 

I agree completely. Too much time is going by, and too many children are not being supported. This time is
precious for them. Onereason John Ahlbach and I founded FRIENDS. Too many children and parents
continuing to feel isolated and unsupported. I know you have seen what a difference knowing you aren't
alone can make. I have seen this personally and ptrofessionally and am VERY intolerant of the lack of support
for this population. Public schools and private clinicians need to immediately start demanding that these
children and families receive the services they deserve. It is exciting to hear of the changes that are taking
place, and the clinicians that ARE making a difference. Your dedication is changing the direction of services
for children who stutter and I am proud to be part of this. Lee 


adolescents who stutter

From: Harriet Weiner
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:01:42 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Hi, I know Bernie has talked to you before about a women I work with who has a child who stutters. I just
copied your paper to take it to her tomorrow she doesn't have access to the internet. But I wanted her to read
it. thanks for the wonderful work you do 

Re: adolescents who stutter

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:02:09 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Harriet, Please tell the mom who has a child who stutters to call me if she would like. Sometimes a phone call
can really help. This seems like a good place to publicly thank Bernie for helping me at the NSP Youth DAy
this year. I hope he will work with me a gain next year. Meeting adults who stutter can have such an
enormous impact on a kid. Such hope! Best to you both Lee Hi, I know Bernie has talked to you before about
a women I work with who has a child who stutters. I just copied your paper to take it to her tomorrow she
doesn't have access to the internet. But I wanted her to read it. thanks for the wonderful work you do 


Stuttering support groups

From: ggriffslp@AOL.com
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:02:45 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Ms. Caggiano, yes there are groups of adolescents that would profoundly benefit from group support with
other stutterers. But there are those clients who feel that they are unwilling or unable to share their experiences
in a group setting... that sentience needs to be respected and may largely be due to personality. I have assisted
many children in individual therapy sessions with success who found it difficult to share their problems and
triumphs in small group situations. In fact, sharing was inhibiting to them and detrimental to the therapy
process. Individualty must be respected. Support groups are not THE answer to stuttering habilitation, rather,
an avenue to improved communication helpful to some. 

Re: Stuttering support groups

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:03:17 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Thanks for writing. I am very interested in the group you are getting together. I am also in the process of
putting a group together for parents and teens. I have been putting on conferences about once a year, but it is
not enough. That was one reason John Ahlbach and myself organized FRIENDS. An organization for young
people and parents is so urgently needed. 

You mentioned that the kids and parents will meet separately and then join tpogether at the end. I have found
that that set up works best. You may want everyone to begin together, separate and then rejoin. The rejoining
is usually quite intense. 

You ask what topics my son and I would have found useful. I have the advantage of living with a teen who
stutters and is quite willing to share any suggestions, complaints, etc, about every workshop, convention, and
symposium I have organized. My son spent three wonderful weeks this summer at the SSMP program in
SLC..so I have learned form his experiences there also. I would be happy to share whatever I can with you,
what has worked wehat hasn't. I must caution you... I do have some pretty strong feelingson this subject.
Look forwqard to hearing from you. e-mail is LCAggiano@Aol.com (516)499-7504 

support groups

From: jreville@zoo.uvm.edu
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:03:58 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Lee, I enjoyed your article. We (Barry Guitar and I) are starting a support group for kids (age 10-14) that
begins in a week or so. I will work with the kids' group, and Barry is going to meet separately with their
parents at the same time. Then for the last 15 minutes, the groups will come together. What would you or
your son have benefitted from discussing or doing in a support group, other than the obvious? Any input or
advice is appreciated!! Thanks again for your article, and I agree that support groups for kids are really
needed!


Re: support groups

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:04:39 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Thanks for writing. I am very interested in the group you are getting together. I am also in the process of
putting a group together for parents and teens. I have been putting on conferences about once a year, but it is
not enough. That was one reason John Ahlbach and myself organized FRIENDS. An organization for young
people and parents is so urgently needed. 

You mentioned that the kids and parents will meet separately and then join tpogether at the end. I have found
that that set up works best. You may want everyone to begin together, separate and then rejoin. The rejoining
is usually quite intense. 

You ask what topics my son and I would have found useful. I have the advantage of living with a teen who
stutters and is quite willing to share any suggestions, complaints, etc, about every workshop, convention, and
symposium I have organized. My son spent three wonderful weeks this summer at the SSMP program in
SLC..so I have learned form his experiences there also. I would be happy to share whatever I can with you,
what has worked wehat hasn't. I must caution you... I do have some pretty strong feelingson this subject.
Look forwqard to hearing from you. e-mail is LCAggiano@Aol.com (516)499-7504 


support groups

From: jeff in Iowa
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:05:19 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Very good article. I couldn't agree more. 

How do you start such a group? 

Even in Iowa City I only know one or two children in the schools who stutter. 

Is there a national group to contact?


Re: support groups-FRIENDS for young people who stutter

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:06:06 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Jeff 

I would be happy to help you set up a local group for children. It is difficult to get a group going, with so few
children who stutter, but you can even if you start with just two kids. Contact me (LCaggiano@aol.com) and
I can send some ideas. 

There is a national organization. John Ahlbach and myself have just founded FRINDS- the Association for
Young People who stutter. We had our first convention thsi summer and it was a wonderful experience for us
all!! kids, parents, SLPS and adults who stutter. Send me an address and I can put you on our mailing list.
Reaching Out is our newsletter with stories for kids, by kids, parents etc. The two kids who stutter in your
caseload might really benefit from knowing there are other kids who stutter. We also hav a new poster with
contemporary celebrities whos tutter- with quotes about stuttering form many. This poster serves as a daily
reminder to kids that stuttering does not have to prevent them from reaching their dreams. Sorry for writing so
much- this project is so very important- providing children and families with hope, support. Send me your
address and I will send info. Lee Caggiano


adolescent support group

From: Joann Bergemann
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:06:44 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

How would you encourage parents to discuss stuttering with their child? How would you convince an
adolescent to participate in a support group if he/she was unwilling to do so?


Re: adolescent support group

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:07:30 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Joanne 

You have asked two very important questions. I apologize for the length of my answers but these questions
really need to be addressed. 

1) How to encourage parents to talk to their children about stuttering? The first step in a child beginning to rid
him/herself of the shame and frustrations that develop with stuttering, is to be able to speak about
it..particularly with parents. Parents will usually do what is best for their child,but unfortunatley many parents
continue to be given misguided advice about Not speaking about stuttering to their children. I have adviced
parents to address their child's stuttering as they would most other difficulties that arise as children grow. One
great analogy is that of a young child learning to ride a bike. When he falls we don't ignore it, but simply give
an extra hug, tell him that we know it probably hurts to fall down, give a kiss and send them on their way.
Just knowing a parent understands may lessen the pain. Parents can be encouraged to try to keep
communication about stuttering open. If the child is having a particularly rough time, a parent can say
something like "that seems like it was tough to say","I am sorry that was kind of tough wasn't it?". Just be
understanding and respect that they may be having a bad day, etc. In my experience parents are afraid that they
may increase the stuttering by calling attention to it (unfortunatley many SLPs still believe this also). I usually
ask parents if their child is aware that they stutter, and if so parents will not be pointing out anything the child
is not already painfully aware of. Parents typically are relieved to know that they can talk to their child..it is a
very natural need of parents, to give support when their child is hurting. To advice parents against this seems
cruel. 

Your next question is more difficult - How to convince teens to participate in support groups if they aren't
willin to. We really can't convinve teens to do much of anything they do not want to (spoken like a mom of a
teen !). However, we can educate out adolescent clients as to resoureces that are available. Organizations such
as FRIENDS, National Stuttering Project. SFAetc. I find that by making material available (books,
videos,pamphlets, internet groups such as Stutt-L and Wordfree (for teens) adolescents will often find their
own way, at their own time. Some need time to become comfortable about their stuttering and may only be
able to read of other's feelings, experiences. But these are all steps that need to be taken on the way to
awareness, in confronting their stuttering. Looking back as my son was growing up I realize there were many
steps we took and he continues to take. But we (parents and clinicians need to continue to remind teens that
they are not alone in this and that we can guide them to resources when they are ready. I have the new
FRIENDS poster hanging in my office (and in my son's room). This can serve as a constant reminder that
they are not alone and there are others to share stuttering with when they are ready. 

Joanne - let me know if any of these adeas are helpful. What has worked for you in the past. This may be
helpful for others also. Lee 

If you can convince a teen to come to a support group they often (but not always) will enjoy participating in
such groups. This past weekend we had a conference for children, teens, parents and teens. I was delighted to
hear from 2 teens who want to start a group. They each came away with so much..mainly the knowledge that
they were not alone. This is also so helpful to many parents. 

Support groups for adolescents

From: Amy Johnson
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:08:07 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

Excellent article. I wish great success for FRIENDS and look forward in participating in the FRIENDS
convention this July in Boston. I am also hopeful that FRIENDS will not only bring children together in
support but brings parents together to advocate for their children. Great work.


Re: Support groups for adolescents FRIENDS

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/16/98
Time: 11:52:03 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.33

Comments

Amy 

Thanks for your endless support and incredible energy and determination. FRIENDS is happening because of
people like you. I am sure the convention this July in Boston will be as amazing as our first. Can't wait to
share it with you. 

Lee


What Wasn't NSP Doing?

From: Ira Zimmerman
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:08:43 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

It is not clear to me what you thought the National Stuttering Project wasn't doing to help kids who stutter that
you felt there was an urgent need to form another organization, FRIENDS-The Association of Young People
Who Stutter. 

Could you elaborate on this sense of "urgency" as you describe it in your paper?

Re: What Wasn't NSP Doing?

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/16/98
Time: 11:33:01 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.33

Comments

Ira, You wrote: 

"It is not clear to me what you thought the National Stuttering Project wasn't doing to help kids who stutter
that you felt there was an urgent need to form another organization, FRIENDS-The Association of Young
People Who Stutter. 

1) The urgent need is for immediate increased support for children who stutter and their families. 2) My
founding FRIENDS with John Ahlbach did not stem from what I thought NSP was NOT doing but rather
from what NSP HAS done. I am indebted to NSP for the support and guidance my family and I have found.
Because of this I have become empowered enough to know there is more that can be done for children and
parents. NSP began Youth Days (thanks to Gail WilsonLew) and Year of the Child Who Stutters (thanks to
Michael SUgarman). There are SO MANY children and families out there who have not been reached.
Children and families deserve their own organization. This is why FRIENDS was founded. 

Ira, I wonder if these very same questions were asked of the founders of NSP twenty years ago? 

Lee


Re: What Wasn't NSP Doing?

From: Ira Zimmerman
Date: 10/17/98
Time: 1:15:12 AM
Remote Name: 209.156.100.43

Comments

You wrote: 

>NSP began Youth Days (thanks to Gail >WilsonLew) and Year of the Child Who Stutters >(thanks to
Michael SUgarman). 

To set the record straight, actually dedicating 1996 as the "Year of the Child Who Stutters" was my idea which
I proposed to the NSP Board in 1995. Although there were many to thank for its success including Michael
Sugarman. 

>Ira, I wonder if these very same questions were >asked of the founders of NSP twenty years >ago? 

The mission of NSP was totally unique at the time of its founding. Certainly the Stuttering Foundation of
America was mostly focused at that time in the education of speech language pathologists in the treatment of
stuttering. Even today SFA is not a membership organization of people who stutter who meet on a regular
basis to support one another. But what the heck, two support organizations to help kids who stutter can't be a
bad thing. 



Families Who Can't Afford Therapy

From: Ira Zimmerman
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:09:22 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

What are groups like FRIENDS or NSP doing to help families who can't afford the high cost of therapy for
their children who stutter? 

As a Board member of the Center for Children Who Stutter at the California State University, Fullerton, we
have been able to get foundation grants for the treatment of children whose families don't have the money to
get private therapy. I believe that many charitable foundations set up to help children around the world would
welcome grant requests to help children who stutter. 

Many of them have reacted that they have never been asked to help children who stutter.

Re: Families Who Can't Afford Therapy

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/16/98
Time: 11:43:28 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.33

Comments

Ira, You asked "What are groups like FRIENDS or NSP doing to help families who can't afford the high cost
of therapy for their children who stutter? 

As a Board member of the Center for Children Who Stutter at the California State University, Fullerton, we
have been able to get foundation grants for the treatment of children whose families don't have the money to
get private therapy. 

Ira, 

It is wonderful that the Center for Children Who Stutter can provide affordable therapy. But your queston is
confusing. FRIENDS was organiozed to provide support for children whop stutter and their families.
Providing speech therapy is not in our scope. 

However our parent advocacy committee (comprised of an incredible group of determined and committed
parents) will be addressing these issues ( better insurance coverage, improved school speech services, etc). 

NSP, which is also not in a position of providing speech therapy, does however provide some scholarships
for therapy programs. 



Adolescents who stutter: the urgent need for support groups

From: J. O'Reilly
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:10:02 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts about the possible benefits? of a high school speech therapist
attempting to educate a stutterer's peers as to the various aspects of dysfluency in the high school setting,
maybe a class presentation. Thanks.



Re: Adolescents who stutter: the urgent need for support
groups

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/16/98
Time: 11:49:48 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.33

Comments

With regard to your question of the benefits of educating a teenager peers re: stuttering. I think the benefits
could be wonderful, however the decision must be made by the teen. The teen must be comfortable, may want
to present the info himself/herself, or with help. In my opinion, ideally having another few students with/or
without a "difference" do the presentation together may work best. Maybe even some adults who stuttter could
join in the presentation. Videos could be used. But nothing should be done without the teens approval. We
must respect this. Please let me know what you plan on doing, the idea is certainly an interesting one. You can
e-mail me at LCaggiano@AOL.COM 

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts about the possible benefits? of a high school speech therapist
attempting to educate a stutterer's peers as to the various aspects of dysfluency in the high school setting,
maybe a class presentation. Thanks.


the adolescent dilemma

From: Chuck Goldman
Date: 10/14/98
Time: 7:10:32 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

At a time in one's development when independence issues are at a peak it often becomes difficult for an
adolscent to trust a group process as helpful. In my experience adolscents in adult groups certainly don't often
work and it is true that the availability of adolescent groups is meager. As well you know it is only with
familial and friends' support can a teenager move from the frequently requested "fix me" or "give me the pill"
approach to therapy, to the process of learning from others. 


Re: the adolescent dilemma

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/16/98
Time: 11:23:32 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.33

Comments

Chuck, You wrote.." you know it is only with familial and friends' support can a teenager move from the
frequently requested "fix me" or "give me the pill" approach to therapy, to the process of learning from others.
" 

I couldn't agree more. The question then becomes how do we, as clinicians and parents provide this support
to guide teens to where they can learn from others? Exposing teens to environments that provide support
(workshops, conventions) I beleive helps plant the seed that may allow the teens to get to this point. But
getting teens to these environments is not always easily accomplished. Any suggestions? 

Lee 


Support groups for adolescents

From: Ruth Verschaetse and Luann Kane
Date: 10/16/98
Time: 11:51:43 AM
Remote Name: 206.10.12.129

Comments

As SLP students, we found the information regarding adults' perception of their speech therapy as being
successful when belonging to support groups compared to those who don't belong to support groups
perceiving therapy as unsuccessful to be valuable as future clinicians. 

This information provides good reason for us to encourage and help our client find support groups. With your
establishment of FRIENDS, we now have a specific place to refer adolescents and children to find the support
that is so needed. 

As many adolescents see therapy as a waste of their time, hopefully with support groups they will perceive
therapy as worthwhile and successful as the adult subjects did. 

Thank you for sharing your findings and personal insights with us. 


Re: Support groups for adolescents

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/17/98
Time: 1:13:50 PM
Remote Name: 152.163.201.69

Comments

" With your establishment of FRIENDS, we now have a specific place to refer adolescents and children to
find the support that is so needed. " 

That is exactly why FRIENDS was founded. I look forward to working with you in providing your young
clients with such support. 

You also stated "As many adolescents see therapy as a waste of their time, hopefully with support groups they
will perceive therapy as worthwhile and successful as the adult subjects did." 

I agree with these teens. Often times the therapy they received might have been a waste of time. In my opinion
this is a reality. I think the benefit the adults gained from support groups was not they began to see therapy as
effective, but became empowered to accept nothing but effective therapy. Teens may not be ready for therapy,
to make the necessary changes involved in therapy. Susan Castelberry posted a quote from a child who
stutters " You can live without techniques, but not without acceptance". 

Thanks for your interest in this area. It is great to see students with dedication and concern such as yours.
Good luck. Please feel free to write with any other comments. 


Support groups for young stutterers

From: Susan Short Castleberry
Date: 10/17/98
Time: 9:30:39 AM
Remote Name: 209.96.17.79

Comments

Lee; A young stutterer close to me told a group of people "You can live without techniques but it's hard to live
without acceptance (of stuttering)". Every day the work you do supports and validates children--comments
like this one turn around and validate you. Thanks for your passion! I see quite an intersection between your
proposal to extend support groups to adolescents, and Woody's paper on relapse and Lou Heite's on stages of
coping. While recognizing the cyclical nature of recovery, I think we can begin to say that we have ways to
prevent young people from "bottoming out". YAG, Susan

Re: Support groups for young stutterers

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/17/98
Time: 12:56:18 PM
Remote Name: 152.163.201.69

Comments

Susan, 

You raised the question "Does support enable teens to become their own therapists?" Well, it certainly has for
us. Without the support we have gotten, and given (especially to each other) would our sons be where they
are now? Would we? I do not think I would be as at peace with many things if it were not for the support and
understanding I have received. I truly believe these are all so connected. I think we will see our teens, not just
"our two" but those we have watched grow through the annual conventions, begin to provide others with the
same support and understanding. 



self help groups

From: Jeff Shames
Date: 10/18/98
Time: 9:23:39 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.195.24

Comments

Lee, I really enjoyed your article. It has been a pleasure to get to know you and your family in the past few
years. I admire the work that you and John are doing with FRIENDS. I was sorry to not have been able to
make the first convention in Minneapolis, but will definitely make it to Boston this year. 

At NSP and other conferences, I have been more comfortable speaking with parents than working directly
with the children who stutter. With all the difficulties of having a child who stutters, it is wonderful that they
now have so many more resources available than when I was growing up. As you point out, when there is a
conspiracy of silence, (among one's family, teachers, even friends) it makes dealing with a stutter much more
difficult. 

It would seem to me that for there to be successful self groups for teens, that there would be a need for parallel
groups for parents. This is true both for logistical reasons (getting the teens to the group), but also practical
reasons (parents needing help and advice on an ongoing basis). What do you think about this? 

Also, what is the ideal age for a teen group? At one point can/should they join an adult group? (At the NSP
Manhattan Chapter we had a teen boy who attended regularly from the time he was a high school sophomore
until he went away to college.)


Re: self help groups for teens

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/20/98
Time: 6:40:03 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.34

Comments

Jeff 

Thanks for your kind words. 

I agree that a parallel parent group is a good idea, but also need to keep the teen's independence. I am thinking
if ages either 9-14 yrs. or 12-16. I will let you know how we make out. We are having the first very informal
group, to clelbrate ISAD this Thursday at my house. I am so glad you will be at FRIENDS convention in
Boston this summer. Your particiaption always adds . 

See you Monday at the grand Preview of STUTTER STEP. 

Lee

Support groups

From: Alyssa Cozzens
Date: 10/19/98
Time: 2:17:06 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.198.32

Comments

As a speech pathology student, I have yet to experience first-hand the emotions surrounding speech disorders.
Your article gave me some insight into this and I will definitely encourage my future clients to join in any
available support services, and if there are none, I will do my best to see that some are formed. 


Re: Support groups

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/20/98
Time: 6:43:43 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.34

Comments

Alysssa, 

I am glad you enjoyed the article. Yes there are groups available for children and adults who stutter.
FRIENDS - is a newly formed association for children and teens who stutter. This can be a chil'd only
connection with another child and thus is invaluable. You can get further info at our web site
www.friendswhostutter.org or write me at LCaggiano@AOL.COM 

The NAtional Stuttering project is a national self-help support group which can provide info and support for
adults. 

Thanks for your interest and good luck 

Lee Caggiano


Adolescents support groups

From: kbongaarts@rockford.k12.mn.us
Date: 10/19/98
Time: 2:58:50 PM
Remote Name: 206.10.222.207

Comments

I agree that support groups would be great for adolescents. Do you have any suggestions about how to start
one? I work in a small community with a very small population of adolescent stutterers. How could I make
them feel comfortable with an age range of 11 to 17? I would appreciate any advice.


Re: Adolescents support groups

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/20/98
Time: 6:50:58 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.34

Comments

Thanks for writing. I applaud your wishes to begin a teen group. I would be happy to help you get a group
started. Even though you state ther are a few teens who stutter in your communitiy if you had 2-3 teens you
could provide endless support. You may want to start by speaking with the teens about what they might like to
do. Given adolescence, this may not get very far:). I would start out very casual, maybe some type of social
outing (movies, bowling, hiking, etc...whatever they might be interested in. Please write me, we may best be
able to do this through e-mail. I am starting a group and would be happy to go through the steps with you. 

Lee Caggiano


Support Groups

From: Susan
Date: 10/19/98
Time: 9:57:18 PM
Remote Name: 209.105.74.158

Comments

I found your article interesting and it clearly shows the importance of support groups for adolescents. In rural
areas it could be difficult to find one locally. With the internet resources now available, however, it should be
much easier!


Re: Support Groups-the availability

From: Lee Caggiano
Date: 10/20/98
Time: 6:53:51 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.193.34

Comments

Susan, 

Thanks for writing. 

You state that in a rural area it may be difficult to find a teen support group. I live 30 minutes outside of NYC
and there is no group available ( for an hour each way). The internet may not help you find establuished
groups, but it can be helpful in finding interested people. Good luck 

Lee Caggiano