Stuttering Help

Job interviews

2012-01-25T07:03:00.003-05:00

Click on the title of the post to go to a good article about job interviews. I am glad I am no longer in the job market. Looks like you have to be more prepared than I had to be. There were fewer people trying to get jobs and fewer well edcated people years ago. I pray for all the people out of work today.

Find a speech therapist for stuttering

2012-01-23T16:11:00.002-05:00

Whether looking for a speech therapist for yourself or your child, do your research and find one that is comfortable working with the age group you need as well as one who is qualified to help with stuttering. See my links section for some places to check. There may be more. Spend the time to find the therapist best suited for your situation; you are more likely to get results you are looking for. Also, do not expect a cure or to see a great difference overnight. Give the therapy a chance to work.

Don’t let stuttering hold you back

2012-01-20T11:20:00.001-05:00

“I was advised to pursue a career which would not require me to speak to anyone.

’You're really smart, and you love anything to do with entertainment. Why would you shut yourself off from what you love?’

Then and there I decided not to isolate myself in the prison of stuttering. I realized that the goal of speaking "normally" was the real obstacle. I accepted that I stuttered, stopped shaming myself, and went on with my life. Which is not to downplay the fact that learning to accept a stutter is a long and winding road ultimately stuttering enhanced my career. The skills I developed as a result, including heightened intuitiveness, awareness and observational skills -- not to mention the simple ability to be quiet and listen -- all serve me well as a journalist, interviewer and now, as a film and television producer.”
~ Leah Sydney

Those who stutter need to concentrate on a positive attitude

2012-01-14T21:07:00.002-05:00

"The blows of life, the accumulation of difficulties, the multiplication of problems tend
to sap energy and leave you spent and discouraged. In such a condition the true status of
your power is often obscured, and a person yields to a discouragement that is not justified
by the facts. It is vitally essential to reappraise your personality assets.

Dr. Karl Menninger, the famous psychiatrist, once said, “Attitudes are more important
than facts.” That is worth repeating until its truth grips you. Any fact facing us, even the most hopeless, is not as important as our attitude toward that fact. You may permit a fact to overwhelm you mentally before you start to deal with it. On the other hand, a confident thought pattern can modify or overcome the fact.

So if you feel that you are defeated and have lost confidence in your ability to win, sit
down, take a piece of paper and make a list, not of the factors that are against you, but of those that are for you. If you or I think constantly of the forces that seem to be against us, they will assume a formidable strength they do not possess. But if you mentally visualize and affirm and reaffirm your assets, you will rise out of any difficulty."

from The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

Rapping and no stuttering!

2011-12-20T19:24:00.004-05:00

This young man did not benefit from speech therapy. It helps some, but some find that they do not profit from it. It may be that going to a specialist for those who stutter would help him. At least he found his voice in rapping. I like his attitude "Don’t let one small thing get in between your dreams. We are who we are.”

Click on the title of this post to go to the article about Jake Zeldin.

Helping children/teens who stutter

2011-11-04T19:47:00.000-04:00

I think we all have a responsibility to give hope to children/teens who stutter. Not one of them should even think about suicide! We need to be positive in every aspect of our lives. We need to encourage others. What can we do/say so this does not happen? This is just so sad. http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=932

Vote for a camp for children who stutter

2011-10-28T06:07:00.002-04:00

Please vote for Camp Shout Out, a camp for children who stutter, in this contest. Then ask others to vote, too. Clicking on the title of this post will take you to this link http://5x5night.com/ideas/detail/camp-shout-out-something-to-shout-about

Stuttering and speech therapy

2011-10-19T14:31:00.002-04:00

See the difference in this video posted a year ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfLHojgVYtk and this one posted 3 months ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdUXYPBQG-M. I understand that Philip Garber has been taking speech therapy, and it sure has helped him. It also shows that his stuttering is not near as "disruptive" in a classroom as it would have been a year ago.

A few people who stutter say that speech therapy did not help them or even made them worse. I expect they did not have a therapist who was trained to work with stuttering. If you or your child stutters and you are seeking a therapist, make sure they have been trained to work with someone who stutters. If there is not one near you, there are summer camps and intensive clinics run by good therapists. You can find the lists under "referrals" at www.stutteringhelp.org

Parenting a child who stutters

2011-10-12T16:02:00.001-04:00

If you are the parent of a child who stutters, the following tips may help:

* Listen attentively to your child. Maintain natural eye contact when he or she speaks.
* Wait for your child to say the word he or she is trying to say. Don't jump in to complete the sentence or thought.
* Set aside time when you can talk to your child without distractions. Mealtimes can provide a good opportunity for conversation.
* Speak slowly, in an unhurried way. If you speak in this way, your child will often do the same, which can help decrease stuttering.
* Take turns talking. Encourage everyone in your family to be a good listener and to take turns talking.
* Strive for calm. Do your best to create a relaxed, calm atmosphere at home in which your child feels comfortable speaking freely.
* Don't focus on your child's stuttering. Try not to draw attention to the stuttering during daily interactions.
* Offer praise rather than criticism. It's better to praise your child for speaking clearly than to draw attention to stuttering. If you do correct your child's speech, do so in a gentle, positive way.
* Accept your child just as he or she is. Support and encouragement can make a big difference.

When it comes to stuttering, many parents are naturally inclined to direct, challenge or chastise their child. But in some cases these actions have the opposite effect because they can add to feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness and can lower self-esteem. Avoid the following:

* Asking your child lots of questions
* Interrupting your child when he or she is speaking
* Reacting in a negative way to stuttering
* Insisting your child repeat stuttered words or telling him or her to start over when stuttering
* Asking your child to speak in front of a group of people
* Telling your child to think before speaking
* Exposing your child to situations that create a sense of urgency, pressure or a need to rush
* Punishing your child for stuttering

Connecting with other people
It can also be helpful for children, parents and adults who stutter to connect with other people who stutter or who have children that stutter. Several organizations offer support groups. Along with providing encouragement, support group members may offer advice and coping tips you might not have considered. You can reach the Stuttering Foundation at 800-992-9392

from www.mayoclinic.com

Stuttering in the Classroom

2011-10-11T12:13:00.001-04:00

Click on the title of this post to read about how one educator handled having a student who stutters in her classroom. This should not happen to anyone with a speech impediment! Teachers should be educated on how to help rather than hinder students. It is so sad to read that there are still some people who don't know even after all these years of The Stuttering Foundation trying to get the word out about how to talk with someone who stutters and how to help them. Malcolm is turning over in his grave for sure. If I were young and able, I would gather at least 30 people who stutter and have the college allow us to be enrolled in Snyder's class just to show her that people who stutter are just as good as any other student. Having a room full of students who stutter would either drive her crazy and make her leave the teaching profession or make her enjoy the company of people who stutter.

Comments

2011-10-11T09:08:00.003-04:00

There are advantages to having to move in with my daughter. I have been taught how to allow people to make comments without (hopefully) getting those crazy spam and advertising messages. I hope it works. I would love to hear from anyone who wishes to comment.

Bud
("Mr. B" to any former students)

International Stuttering Awareness Day

2011-10-03T18:22:00.002-04:00

Click on the title of this post to connect to a web page where you can read, post comments, and ask questions about stuttering.

Learning to handle bullies

2011-08-26T18:34:00.001-04:00

Click on the title of this post to read about a program that is helping children stand up to bullies. Then read more here http://www.gracieacademy.com/bully_proof.asp

Teachers and bullying

2011-08-26T06:25:00.002-04:00

This is a great article and points out that peers are not the only source of bullying. Teachers often bully without even realizing it! A teacher is just as bad as a class bully by not putting a stop to teasing or poor attitudes such as laughing when someone stutters. Click on the title of this post to reach the article.

You can talk to your pet without stuttering

2011-06-26T22:05:00.002-04:00

Many people who stutter find that they talk just fine when talking to their pet or reading out loud when by themselves. This has led some to a career involving animals. Ted Hoagland enjoyed working with the big cats with a circus.

"If you can't talk to people," he said he learned, growing up, "you spend a lot of time with your dog, who you are able to talk to. You become very close to pets, and perhaps become an observer of wildlife. And you strengthen your natural intuition and your so-called sixth sense, your second nature, which other people don't need for happiness or survival." Edward “Ted” Hoagland (who stutters)

Stuttering advice

2011-06-10T06:55:00.003-04:00

Saying “take a deep breath before talking,” or “think about what you want to say first” is the advice given to people who stutter. I see it all over the internet from well-meaning people who really don't have a clue about stuttering. This advice only makes the person more self-conscious, making the stuttering worse. People who stutter, specialists, and The Stuttering Foundation will tell you what really helps are listening patiently and modeling slow and clear speech yourself.

Children that stutter

2011-06-10T06:39:00.001-04:00

This is a good book for the child 7-12 years old who stutters - Sometimes I Just Stutter - http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Portals/english/sometimes_stutter.pdf

Advice to those who stutter

2011-06-01T12:16:00.002-04:00

A great book - Advice to Those Who Stutter - is online at http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Portals/English/book0009_may2010.pdf

Tips for doing a presentation if you stutter

2011-03-23T21:23:00.001-04:00

Know your subject matter really well and practice reading to your dog or just out loud to yourself ahead of time.

Look over the heads of the class at a point on the wall in the back of the room. The class will think you are looking at them, and the teacher will think you are looking at your audience.

Don't notice any reaction from the class. Their reaction doesn't matter, but it might make you feel more nervous.

Concentrate on what you are saying rather than how you are saying it.

Don't try to keep from stuttering as that will make you stutter more. If you stutter, just let it happen.

Maintain a steady pace, not too fast, and don't get in a hurry to "get it over with."

Speak in a relaxed manner and pause every so often.

Start into words easily keeping your lips, tongue, and jaw relaxed.

Realize that stuttering occurs more often when you are trying NOT to stutter, when you are under stress, and when you are tired.

Stuttering and suicidal thoughts

2011-03-18T07:49:00.004-04:00

It is sad to see posts online by people who stutter saying that they wish they never had been born or that they are considering ending their lives because of their stuttering. Family members and peers need to reassure anyone who stutters that they are important and they are able to be an asset to society even though the stutter. There is help for stuttering, and the list of Famous People who Stutter on the web site of the Stuttering Foundation proves that you can do anything you want to do in life even if you stutter. My guess is that many of the people who have these types of thoughts are teens. Being a teenager is a hard time in a person's life. There is so much stress in being between a child and an adult, getting ready to leave home, trying to do well in school if you want to go on to college, trying to get a job (hard enough for those who speak well), and so many other things.

Talk to your parents, pastor, and/or counselor about your feelings and worries.

Get help for your stuttering - the Stuttering Foundation has free online books and videos plus referrals to speech therapists almost anywhere.

Put your emphasis on your strengths; think about what you do well; develop those areas as you may find that the less you think about your stuttering the less you will stutter.

Go ahead and talk; stutter on through what you have to say; don't try NOT to stutter.

Realize that everyone has something that they consider a limitation in their life; some just are not easily seen like stuttering.

Parents; get help for your child as early as possible so he/she doesn't have this happen to him/her.

Teasing and Stuttering

2011-03-16T07:04:00.003-04:00

This book written by a young girl who stutters with the help of her speech therapist is great for other young children to read. Perhaps, similar situations occur with all school children who stutter, and this book gives several ideas of ways to help make school a pleasant experience.

Click on the title of this post to go to the book online or copy and paste this in your browser

http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Portals/English/book0034.pdf

If a child wants their own copy of the book, it can be purchased in the estore at www.stutteringhelp.org.

Sure wish resources like this were available when my uncles who stuttered were in school.

Video on stuttering to help parents

2011-03-15T10:46:00.002-04:00

This is a great video for parents when a young child starts stuttering:

http://www.youtube.com/stutteringfdn#p/u/8/u2_mgt87g1Y

It helps answer many questions.

There are other videos on the same "channel" for children and teens.

Stuttering and Journalists

2011-02-23T09:08:00.003-05:00

This old geezer has too much time to read all the articles on stuttering, which includes "The King's Speech" at the moment. Since I cannot do many things due to arthritis, I spend much of my time at the computer reading (so great that I learned you can hold down the Ctrl key and scroll with the mouse to make the print larger and easier on these old eyes!!!) and posting (nobody needs to know how slowly I type nowadays - ha, ha) comments on articles.

Some reporters (2 that I have seen) have been crazy enough to report on how "The King's Speech" gets stuttering all wrong. They think that showing how stuttering was treated in the 1930s is bad for the viewers and telling about King George VI's domineering father, taunting brother, bad nanny, being left-handed, and having to wear leg braces will make people think these things cause stuttering. For Pete's sake, everyone is intelligent enough to know that this is not a film trying to teach you what causes stuttering and how to treat it! It is about what they thought in the 1930s and how they treated it then. If someone wants to keep up with the current research and methods for this century, they do like I have done and read the newsletters and postings at www.stutteringhelp.org. Ever since I discovered the web site, I check it almost daily for new things.

Some reporters are reporting about the "new research" of Dr. Drayna's discoveries of the genes that cause stuttering. That is not "new." Where were those reporters when other journalists were reporting about the discovery as soon as it was announced? The Stuttering Foundation of America was right on it and reported it before most papers knew about it. (but then, Dr. Drayna is on their Board of Directors) It seems years since I read about it (but, sometimes a day seems like a year to me - ha, ha)

I read a blog by a mother whose son stutters. She said that "The King's Speech" didn't get the stuttering right. She said as they walked out of the cinema, her son even said "that is not stuttering." Well, I need to find that blog again and tell her that there are different forms of stuttering. Some people have repetitions of the beginning letter of a word, some have repetitions of the last letter, some have prolongations of the vowel in the middle of the word, and some have what is called a block. The writers of the movie got Logue's notes from his grandson and studied them and some film clips of King George VI to learn exactly how he stuttered.

Now, this latest article that I read this morning has so many things that I would love to chat with Jane Fraser about as after reading books, brochures, the web site, and watching the videos, I doubt that she said much of what this reporter says she did.

I doubt that Ms. Fraser said, "It has taken that movie ... to educate even my family about the depth of the problem for many sufferers" as anyone who stutters or has a family member who stutters already knows before watching a movie about the depth of the problem. She would have said "no" to "Is this an emotional issue?" as we all know that emotions do not cause stuttering. Of course the family understood Malcolm Fraser's speaking problem. He spent his life searchng for ways to help his own speech and others like him, so she couldn't have said this: "As a youngster, I never understood why it was so painful for my father to speak and how mortified I was waiting for him to get a word out. Gee, I would have loved to be a "fly on the wall" when that interview was happening!

Teachers and stuttering

2011-02-08T04:55:00.002-05:00

It is just maddening to think that anybody has to go through life with their teachers being the ones who bully them!! The universities that train teachers and give them their credentials to teach thousands of youth during their career should not only be able to spell (how many teachers I have met who couldn't!), know their subject extremely well, teach their subject, handle problem students gracefully, encourage students to want to learn, and know how to handle bullying in and outside the classroom. Therefore, the teacher should never be the instigator of showing any disrespect for one who stutters!!! Here is only one post I read online telling of poor treatment in the classroom:
"I had a terrible time in school but not from my class mates. It was from the
teachers who never had the time to be patient with me, and understand my
problem;they accused me of being stupid because I couldn't read out loud."

All teachers should be required to learn how to converse with a student who stutters. A class showing the Stuttering Foundation of America's video for teachers with the teachers in training getting the brochure "Tips for Teachers" should be required. They should also have to demonstrate that they can use this knowledge by having a one on one conversation with someone who stutters.

As a former educator who had family members who stuttered, I was able to give counsel to many teachers about students who stuttered. I don't remember the Foundation having any information like a brochure that could be handed to them back then, but just knowing not to finish sentences or supply words and to just patiently wait for the stutterer to speak and to let them know "it is okay to stutter in my classroom" makes speaking get easier and easier. There were students who stuttered that didn't stutter as much in my classroom as in others because as soon as I noticed they stuttered, I cheerfully said "stuttering is allowed in here" and they stood taller, held their head up, and didn't feel like a burden for taking so long to speak. It also taught the others in the class that this person really has something to say. I demanded respect and showed respect. All other educators should learn to do the same. That goes for students with other speech difficulties, learning disabilities, and physical disabilites, too!

Stuttering and stammering

2011-02-02T06:51:00.002-05:00

It is amazing how many times I have seen people post the question "What is the difference in stuttering and stammering" and the answer given is often like this one which is NOT correct! There is absolutely no difference; the term stuttering is used in the US and the term stammering is used in the UK.

"Stammering is like when you pause a lot and say 'um' or 'uh' and maybe repeat a word or phrase over and over 'I don't- I don't- I don't know.'
St- st- t- t- t- uttering is when you repeat a short sound over and over when you're trying to get a word out. It can also be a prolonged sound like 'H- hoooo- ow are you?'"

The descriptions of speech in the answer above are just two types of stuttering. A block, where no sound comes out, is also a form of stuttering. Those who stutter stutter a little differently, maybe on different consonants, maybe only on words that start with a vowel, or something else.

Stuttering and bullying

2011-02-01T11:23:00.003-05:00

Teasing and bullying often are things that make life very difficult for a child who stutters. Even adults who stutter get mocked and laughed at! This is a very good article on how to handle bullying with a school-age child. Click on the title of this post to get to the article.

Work and stuttering

2011-01-26T09:53:00.003-05:00

It is interesting when I come across a person who stutters and learn what they do in life. This guy is the managing editor of a paper. Click on the title of this post to see his article that tells about his stuttering. He points out that his trying not to stutter, once it was brought to his attention as a young child, that he stuttered more. I think that is why parents should get help for their children before they start school. The Stuttering Foundation of America has wonderful resources and tips for parents that every parent should know about whether their child stutters or not. They might be able to help someone else.

The King's Speech

2011-01-25T18:36:00.002-05:00

I have been enjoying reading reviews of The King's Speech, and hope to get to see the movie next week. In an interview with Tom Hooper, the director of the film, he said this about the movie:
"one of the key themes in the movie is how not to let scars, bullying and trauma from childhood to go unaddressed and define your entire life. That’s what this film is about."
That certainly is a good statement for parents and those who stutter. There will always be those who take advantage of any difference to turn it into something to tease about. We have to stop those people and we can't let the trauma from any teasing influence us the rest of our lives.

Reporting on stuttering

2011-01-17T19:05:00.002-05:00

Reporters are looking for people who stutter so they can do articles about stuttering. This is one way that The King's Speech has gotten attention and is getting "the word out" about stuttering. If you stutter, call or e-mail your local paper letting them know that you are willing to be contacted either by e-mail or in person for answering questions. This is one reporter that is looking for people who stutter:

"The State Journal-Register is interviewing adults who stutter to learn how they have dealt with the condition and how their lives have been affected by it.

If you live in the Springfield area and would be willing to be interviewed about your stuttering and identified in an upcoming story, please contact SJ-R health reporter Dean Olsen at 217-788-1543 or dean.olsen@sj-r.com by 5 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 20)."

Stuttering specialists

2011-01-12T10:29:00.002-05:00

Click on the title of this post to read an article about the difference it made for a child to go to a stuttering specialist. This is why going to a speech therapist who is trained to work with people who stutter is better than going to just any speech therapist. Asking the right questions to find the right therapist for the age of the child is important, too. The Stuttering Foundation of America gives a parent all the tools needed to find the right match for their child. They help with tips for getting insurance coverage, referrals to qualified therapists, how the parent can help at home, what to expect from therapy, etc.

Good radio program on stuttering

2011-01-11T19:02:00.002-05:00

Click on the title of this post to hear a good radio program about stuttering. Carol mentions the Stuttering Foundation of America as a good source of information for parents.

I do NOT endorse Kill Your Stutter!!!

2011-01-11T18:50:00.002-05:00

"Kill Your Stutter" has copied my review (and someone elses) of the Stuttering Foundation of America's book "Self Therapy for the Stutterer" from Amazon and pasted them on their web page to make it look like our reviews are positive reviews of their program!! Now, it could be that they have bought copies of the book and are turning around and reselling it, but if that is the case, nobody needs to pay them when they can get it for $5 here http://secure.stutteringhelp.org/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SFA&Product_Code=0012&Category_Code=S. It is also free online here http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Portals/English/Book_0012_tenth_ed.pdf.

Stuttering and Bullying

2011-01-10T11:22:00.003-05:00

Click on the title of this post to read a good article about bullying. It is hard to know how to handle bullying if you see it or think that is what is going on. Since I had uncles who stuttered, I wondered if they were ever teased or bullied, but I never heard anyone talk about it. I think living in a small town where everyone knows everybody is an advantage as anyone who even thinks of teasing also thinks "his mom and dad know my mom and dad." The entire community is a family. I think having close ties to neighbors, school, and church are a big help in the development of our children. In the article, he speaks of talking with the person being bullied; that is good if you know about it and if that person will open up to you. Many children who stutter try so hard to hide their stutter that they most likely won't talk about being teased about their speech. I think it best that parents start talking about stuttering as soon as a child understands, whether it be about their own stuttering or someone elses speech defects. Children soon learn what is "normal" and what is "different." If parents talk about all the ways we are different, both speech and physical, children hopefully will grow up learning that being different is okay and is not something to be teased about. They should be taught what to do if they are ever teased for any reason, encouraged to talk about it, and taught to do something at the onset so it doesn't get worse. Children should also be taught that there are ways to help someone who stutters. The Stuttering Foundation of America has a book about being teased (oh, gee my poor old brain can't think of the title!), a brochure on tips for speaking with someone who stutters, and resources to help teachers. They also have a packet for older students to do a presentation about stuttering. Those that have used it have found that just talking to the class about stuttering has helped as they get more peers "on their side" with education about their affliction.

Reasons for stuttering

2010-12-29T13:43:00.002-05:00

Click on the title of this post and it takes you to a marvelous article about "The King's Speech."

"the baby was dropped, the baby was tickled, somebody hit them," "Then there is the most common misconception: psychologically, the person is nervous or anxious, and that's the prevailing belief among the lay public. It's very hard to change perceptions." This is sooo true. I still hear the myths about why people stutter. It seems that some people think their grandmother knows more than the researchers!

Techniques for stuttering

2010-12-28T19:56:00.002-05:00

The techniques used in "The King's Speech" are some that are still used. Therapists find that different things work best with different stutterers. This could be why so many people say that they have gone to several therapists and nobody has helped them. If they would stay with one long enough, that one would find the best way to help. It is just like going to a doctor for arthritis. People go "doctor hopping" because "that doctor didn't help" but it takes some time for a doctor to figure out what medicine or technique works best for you. Of course, it always helps to have a good doctor or therapist, too! That is where it helps to find your speech therapist through the Stuttering Foundation of America because they can recommend one who has been trained to work with stutterers. They have lists of referrals worldwide.

Camp Shout Out for stuttering

2010-12-22T21:31:00.001-05:00

"Camp Shout Out which is non-profit,traditional overnight camp setting for youth around the world who stutter ages 8-16 where they will participate in speech therapy and camp activities. Camp Shout Out is also a clinical training opportunity for SLP's and selected
graduate students who will improve their skills working with youth who stutter.

The best part is that the clinical training and treatment portion of the camp is
being developed by and will be directed by: Kristin Chmela and June Campbell,
two VERY well known fluency specialists and trainers of clinicians. If you want
to know more we have a facebook page: Camp Shout Out for youth who stutter
and our webpage will be up very shortly: campshoutout.org
We are also working in collaboration with Western Michigan University and the
Stuttering Foundation."

I found this on a stuttering group site.

Devices for stuttering

2010-12-21T05:06:00.002-05:00

Here is an article about DAF devices http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122004203.html. I have many posts on forums about people spending money on these things hoping for a "cure" and being so terribly disappointed that they did not work for them, worked only at first, or being so annoying that the thing was put in a drawer to never be used again. One post that really pointed out the problem with using one all the time was about all of the outside noises being played back in the ear making it irritating to use. This post was about talking with someone while walking down the street and the blasted device playing back noises like a bus going past and other street noises. Another post was about how useless it is when worn while in a restaurant and trying to talk fluently while this thing in the ear is playing back all of the clinking of dishes, talking of others, and the music, too! I can see where the only place one might be used successfully is when you are the only one giving a speech and nobody else is talking.

A Story About Being Different

2010-12-17T20:11:00.000-05:00

The True Story of Rudolph

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression . Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day . But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks , made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy , Gene Autry . "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song , with the exception of " White Christmas ."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

Listen to King George VI having trouble speaking because he stuttered

2010-12-02T13:26:00.001-05:00

This video has some clips of King George VI and shows the "demon" he struggled with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JICrIXfL2c

Isn't this great?!

2010-12-02T06:48:00.002-05:00

Well, the young people who read my blog probably think I am a stupid old man! I just found out how to fix it so when you click on the title of a post, it takes you right to the web page of the article I am "talking" about. Now, I need to go back through and fix the others. I bet if I had left comments enabled, someone would have told me about this, but I got sick of getting spam stuff about Viagra and other junk.

Good review

2010-12-02T06:43:00.002-05:00

I am thoroughly enjoying reading reviews about "The King's Speech" in various online papers. This one http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/900041--geoffrey-rush-another-perfect-role is particularly interesting because it answers the question "Why wasn't this a play?" and has a perfect description of the chemistry between Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush.

The King's Speech

2010-11-29T05:42:00.003-05:00

Here is a good review of the new film, The King's Speech" - http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-11-29/the-kings-speech-true-historical-story/

The part I like the best is this paragraph:

The duke had already seen his fill of “experts,” but no one had been able to cure him. He was persuaded to have one last try by his glamorous young wife, Elizabeth, better remembered today as the queen mother (played in the film by Helena Bonham Carter). "I can cure you," Logue declared after they had spent an hour and a half together. "But it will need a tremendous effort by you. Without that effort, it can't be done."

This reminds me of what one uncle told his brothers when he sent them a copy of "Self Therapy for the Stutterer" by the Stuttering Foundation of America. I found this in an old letter. (Nice thing about letters that can last for years in an attic.) "This won't help you if you just read it. You have to work through it step by step."

I have talked with or read about so many people who have "seen [their] fill of experts" and were disappointed that they were never "cured." Perhaps, it would be better if they had the attitude of talking better instead of being "cured." The part where Logue says he can "cure" King VI, should read "help you" as every stutterer that I have met has always had occasions when he stutters or blocks even after he thought he had stopped stuttering for good.

Needing "a tremendous effort by you" is the important part. Everyone who has any type of affliction wants an easy and fast fix. Most of the time, unless it is having surgery to correct a faulty heart valve for instance, a person has to put some effort into practice. People who have had a knee replacement have to go through physical therapy that involves working with physical therapists, doing exercises, having pain, taking time, etc. Likewise, people who stutter need to go through speech therapy that involves working with a well-trained therapist, learning the techniques, practising the techniques, having setbacks, learning what makes their stuttering worse, and restructuring their lives with enough sleep and relaxation, etc.

The King's Speech

2010-11-28T07:20:00.002-05:00

I have been reading about The King's Speech at www.stutteringhelp.org and have been hoping to see it. This site has some clips from the film and has made me want to see it all the more http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/movie_reviews/129598/ew-movie-review---the-king-s-speech-

Young child suddenly stuttering

2010-11-16T08:35:00.002-05:00

I thought this note might help other parents:

My daughter is 3. One day she spoke fine. The next day, she started to stutter. My husband, his brother, and his father stutter. So as soon as I heard her start, I contacted the doctor and the insurance company. Our doctor suggested we find a speech therapist at www.stutteringhelp.org as they are trained to work with stuttering and some therapists know very little about working with someone who stutters.

My daughter met with the speech therapist who took out a picture book and told her to tell her what was in each picture. She made notes of all the letters that our daughter got stuck on. The results were submitted to the insurance company. Therapy was approved for 5 sessions on a weekly basis with a possible 20 more. We scheduled the first 5.

On the first session, the therapist had a playmat with toys telling our daughter to talk about the toys. When our daughter got stuck, the therapist would help her slow down and drag out the letters that she was stuck on.

It went well. Can't wait for the next session.

Blog of The Stuttering Foundation of America

2010-11-08T09:36:00.002-05:00

If you haven't found it and stopped by already, visit the blog of The Stuttering Foundation of America at http://www.stutteringfoundation.blogspot.com/

International Stuttering Awareness Day

2010-10-22T16:46:00.002-04:00

Today is International Stuttering Awareness Day. There are people all over the world who stutter. It is called "stammering" in some countries, but it is the same thing. Those who stutter need to know that they are not alone, that they can be as successful as anyone else, and that there is help. The Stuttering Foundation of America has helpful resources and lists of qualified speech therapists who are trained to work with those who stutter (some of them are former stutterers and know exactly what you are going through).

Parents, teachers, employers, friends, coworkers, and everyone who comes in contact with someone who stutters can find helpful information. We should all strive to make the world a better place for those who stutter!

New book for children who stutter

2010-10-14T07:50:00.003-04:00

I would love to see this book! The description sounds like something children who stutter need. http://secure.stutteringhelp.org/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SFA&Product_Code=0035&Category_Code=B

Podcasts on stuttering

2010-10-12T10:11:00.001-04:00

Take time to listen to the podcasts on this page http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=839.

Stuttering and bullying

2010-10-07T18:51:00.004-04:00

People who stutter are often the targets of bullies. Bullies hunt for anyone who shows weakness so they can feel more powerful. Most bullies are basically cowards looking for someone they can feel better than. This article is a very good one http://www.care2.com/greenliving/banishing-bullying-behavior.html

Alan Rabinowitz

2010-09-07T10:28:00.005-04:00

Read about Alan Rabinowitz

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/09/05/2010-09-05_lifelong_love_for_jaguars_allows_a_young_boy_to_overcome_stutter_and_be_a_voice_.html

http://magblog.audubon.org/finding-words-animals-story-alan-rabinowitz

http://stuttertalk.com/2010/08/22/stuttering-alan-rabinowitz.aspx

Many people who stutter find that they can talk very fluently with their pet. Just shows that most humans do not bring out the best in us, but animals can. The Stuttering Foundation of America is where our family found help. Their list of “Famous People Who Stutter,” which includes Rabinowitz, shows that those who stutter can go on and have whatever career they choose. My wish is that every parent would read what to do if their own child stutters; they should also learn how to talk with someone who stutters, and strive to teach their child about stuttering in case they ever meet someone who does. If everyone would learn more about stuttering, this would be a much better world for those who stutter.

Inspiration

2010-07-27T14:16:00.003-04:00

Noting that others who stutter have held on to their dreams can help young stutterers realize that they "can do it, too." While teaching, I would often point out people who succeeded despite their speech difficulties, physical disabilities, or inability to do well at a certain subject, even reading. When something causes you to desire to succeed despite all odds, it is amazing what we can do. For Alan Rabinowitz, it was his desire to help animals. Read about him here http://magblog.audubon.org/finding-words-animals-story-alan-rabinowitz and here http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=669.

Eye contact

2010-07-14T09:35:00.000-04:00

Gain eye contact before you start talking. Maintain that eye contact. Looking away breaks the communication link with the other person.

“Maintaining eye contact may sound easy. For many people it is very hard. I know stutterers who have gone through various therapies with some success but who still have been unable to break their old habit of looking away from their listener when a block begins.” – Murray

The Stuttering Foundation says to start by looking at yourself in the mirror and keep eye contact with yourself. Then look at yourself in the mirror while making some phone calls. Concentrate on looking at others even when they look away if you start stuttering.

Myths about stuttering

2010-07-06T17:28:00.001-04:00

Myth: People who stutter are not smart.
Reality: There is no link whatsoever between stuttering and intelligence.

Myth: Nervousness causes stuttering.
Reality: Nervousness does not cause stuttering. Nor should we assume that people who stutter are prone to be nervous, fearful, anxious or shy. They have the same full range of personality traits as those who do not stutter.

Myth: Stuttering can be "caught" through imitation or by hearing another person stutter.
Reality: You can't "catch" stuttering. Recent research indicates that family history (genetics), neurological development, the child's environment and family dynamics all play a role in the onset of stuttering.

Myth: It helps to tell a person to "take a deep breath," or "think about what you want to say."
Reality: This advice only makes a person more self-conscious, making the stuttering worse. More helpful responses include listening patiently and using slower and clearer speech yourself.

Myth: Stress causes stuttering.
Reality: As mentioned above, many complex factors are involved in the onset of stuttering. Stress is not the cause, but it can aggravate stuttering.

copied from The Stuttering Foundation of America's web site www.stutteringhelp.org

Message sent from my address book

2010-06-24T08:38:00.002-04:00

If you received a message from "Bud Bultman" about a laptop, I did not send it. Somehow, my address book was highjacked and a message was sent to some of my friends so I assume to every listing in my address book. I know nothing about laptops, have never had one, and will never have one. I don't know how pirates do things like this, and I don't know how you prevent it. I can only hope that the message is not sent out more than once and that they don't grab other addresses.

Stuttering article by Lon Emerick

2010-06-23T18:28:00.002-04:00

Those who stutter should read "Express Yourself or Go by Freight" by Lon Emerick in Advice to Those who Stutter by The Stuttering Foundation. He gives some good advice such as:

"The pathway to better speech is fraught with blind alleys, dark frightening tunnels and arduous climbs. Beware of any treatment that plumes itself in novelty and promises no pain; deep inside you know this cannot work."

"The first thing you must do is admit to yourself that you need to change."

"There is no magic potion, no pink pill that will cure stuttering."

He takes you through steps to get "acquainted with your stuttering pattern," "set up a program for change," "how to stutter more easily and openly," "to stutter on purpose," to reduce avoidances," to "enter those tough speaking situations and demonstrate to yourself that you can, even though stuttering, get the message across," and to practice.

Find and read his article at http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Portals/English/book0009_may2010.pdf

Tips on Bullying

2010-06-08T09:57:00.000-04:00

Bullies want to upset you. If you ignore them, they don’t get what they want.

Bullies don’t want others to know what they’re up to. If you attract the attention of someone nearby, the bully will back off. Yell something like “No, you are not going to beat me up. Leave me alone.”

Stick with others. Kids who bully hate a crowd.

Don’t look upset. Bullies feel powerful when they upset you. If you look uncaring, the bully has lost that “power.”

Agree with the bully. Bullies count on you to argue with them. If you just agree, there’s nothing more for the bully to say.

Give the bully some facts. "I stutter because I caught the defective gene in my family." Sometimes people bully because they don’t understand why someone is different. If you give the bully some facts, you do two things: you show that you’re not upset and you might take away the bully’s reason for picking on you.

People who bully want someone who responds in a way that allows them to feel powerful. A person without power cannot bully. Power can be defined as either physical strength, social status, or intimidating behavior.

Stuttering is NOT a mental condition!!

2010-05-21T07:10:00.002-04:00

I saw this post online - "Stuttering is largely a mental condition not a physical one." - and had to comment on it.

Stuttering is NOT mental! Those people who think that are in the same pool of people like parents who slap their child in the mouth every time they stutter thinking that will stop them, or the teachers who think a student who stutters should be in the slow-learner group or are mentally challenged. Most of the people I knew/know who stutter had/have very high I.Q.s and can handle very mentally challenging jobs and tasks. They are also people who have the determination and perseverance to work at a job until it is finished. Anyone who hires someone who stutters will find that they have an extremely dependable, self-starter as an employee. The world needs to change and be more understanding about stuttering!

No stuttering while talking to some or to a pet

2010-05-17T09:30:00.001-04:00

Everyone who stutters will tell you that they are fine when talking to their pet, a doll or stuffed animal, or when by themselves. Most will have certain people they can talk with and rarely if ever stutter, while they stutter worse in the presence of an authority figure like a teacher or boss. Stuttering gets worse when you are under stress, anxious, or are more tense. If the person you are talking with is patient, relaxed, and shows no sign of disturbance with your speech, you are more apt to talk without much of a stutter.

Unbelieveable!

2010-05-06T06:24:00.002-04:00

People will go to such extremes to make money, and when it is selling a product that is worthless and when they create a blog and put God's name on the page with the list of their worthless stuff, it is sickening! I hope nobody falls for such trash, but you know there are people out there who do not do their research or who want so badly to get rid of their stuttering or a lisp or anxiety or such, that they will try anything. My fervent prayer is that people will beware of scams, research products by talking to others and getting recommendations (and not just one!), and get advice from professionals. As far as speech issues, check this page http://www.asha.org/public/speech/speech_self-help.htm on the American Speech and Hearing Association's web site. If you don't see a company listed here, they are not a reputable company for stuttering, lisping, or other speech disorders.

Write a review

2010-04-30T20:44:00.003-04:00

If you have had an experience with the Stuttering Foundation of America, have read any of their books, have watched any of their videos, or have gotten help from their web site, how about writing a review at http://www2.guidestar.org/ - just search for Stuttering Foundation of America and click on "Write a Review."

Feelings and stuttering

2010-04-30T03:19:00.000-04:00

From "Sometimes I Just Stutter" by The Stuttering Foundation

When you feel sad or angry about your stuttering...People get mad when things go wrong. When you try to do something and you fail again and again, you may be in a very bad temper. People also get to feeling sad inside when things keep going wrong for them.You would not mind being punished... once in a while by your parents or your teacher. But if that happened every day, you would feel upset or angry or both.

Grown-ups usually don’t show their anger or their sorrow openly. But if you observe them carefully, you will notice it anyway. They may be more quiet than usual, or they may find fault with everything or want to be alone. Stuttering every once in a while is no big deal. But if talking gets to be hard very often, you may get mad. Mad at your mouth. Mad at the stuttering. You start to hate it. Perhaps talking gets so hopelessly difficult that it makes you feel sad inside. Sad about your stuttering. People cry when they feel sad. Perhaps you were told not to act like a cry baby but to be brave and strong. But stuttering can feel so bad that it is OK to cry about it. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. And it is quite alright to be angry at your stuttering and to hate it. If you express how angry or how sad you are by shouting and stamping your feet or by having a good cry, you will feel a lot better. Perhaps you don’t want other people to know about these feelings. Then why don’t you express them in a place where nobody can see or hear you? But it’s even better to share your feelings with other people. That will make things easier all around.

Don’t be ashamed. Whatever happens, do NOT start blaming yourself. Because it’s not your fault that you stutter.

Advice to Those Who Stutter

2010-04-21T06:40:00.002-04:00

The Stuttering Foundation of America has posted part of their book "Advice to Those Who Stutter" on this page http://www.stutteringhelp.org/default.aspx?tabindex=794&tabid=807 of their web site. There are so many helpful tips in this one page that you should read it very slowly and absorb each tidbit of advice.

"There are ways that you can stutter more easily, which sound better and make you more comfortable with your speech, and make a better impression on your listener. Listeners react to the way you appear to be reacting to yourself. If you seem to be tense, panicky, and out of control, they will also feel tense, to which you react by becoming more tense and hurried yourself. It’s a circular process that you can learn to control."

Talking with a child who stutters

2010-04-08T06:58:00.002-04:00

I just read this on a blog:

"Parents and older siblings may have the habit of speaking very quickly, causing a child with emerging speech skills to be intimidated. Slowing down slightly, and even introducing natural pauses such as short hesitations or “ums” will make it easier for young children to participate in the conversation."

I agree with all of that except the "ums" as no child should get in the habit of starting anything in their speech that they won't want there later in life. Any child deserves help so that they can speak well enough to be enjoyed in friendly conversation, while giving a speech, or if addressing an extinguished group of individuals as an adult. Frequent pauses, but no "ums" in my opinion, and I expect the Stuttering Foundation of America, who gives great tips for talking with someone who stutters, would agree.

Teachers can help those who stutter

2010-04-08T06:36:00.004-04:00

Debbie Despirt did a great article, that you can read here http://teaching-strategies-mentorship.suite101.com/article.cfm/kid_stuttering, about how teachers can help students learn about stuttering, how they can intervene with teasing that kids almost always do when one of their peers stutters, and how they should treat the student who stutters. Teachers are not trained in how to handle students with speech disfluencies; some do the research on their own, but others are worse than kids and still have outdated notions on what to do. Some think that punishment of some kind will correct "the behavior." Since I was an educator, I was able to inform the teachers I came in contact with over the years, but that is "only a drop in the bucket." If a teacher doesn't have compassion for others by the time he/she starts teaching, someone needs to teach him/her how to treat others whether they have a discipline problem, a speech problem, or a physical problem.

Genetics and Stuttering

2010-03-26T12:10:00.003-04:00

Some new research on stuttering and genetics that identified three genes responsible is outlined on this page http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=798

I like the way Julie explains the new research study on genetics and stuttering in her blog http://www.juliesimonlakehomer.com/wonder-of-the-moment/2010/2/11/revelation-genes-cause-stuttering.html?lastPage=true#comment7880607

Do as much speaking as you can

2010-03-26T08:22:00.002-04:00

"Since speaking is a healthy form of self-expression, the stutterer should encourage himself to 'speak up' and speak with others, not as a performance task, but as a means of arriving at social communion and communication. At first, this will appear embarrassing and difficult, but the more you accept your shortcomings and the less you put emphasis on your impediment, the more relaxed you will become and the greater interest you will develop in self-expression." (Barbara)

Some people who stutter have said that joining Toastmasters did them much good. They got so much practice speaking in front of the group, and got such good feedback and support from the group that it became easier for them to address a group situation in other areas.

Relaxation helps stuttering

2010-03-15T10:54:00.002-04:00

Learning relaxation techniques can help those who stutter. A Stutterer's Story, written by Fred Murray and published by the Stuttering Foundation of America, states "...relaxation...is always conducive to fluency. Furthermore, the isolated and protected nature of almost every therapy situation encourages a kind of relaxation which is characterized by diminishing fear. This is probably the major reason why the proponents of so many stuttering therapies can point to a fast initial decrease in stuttering - stuttering is dramatically increased by fear."

The fear of having to stand up in front of class, or read aloud in front of snickering classmates is known to many a stutterer. Worrying about a presentation can make one physically sick, and some teachers and classmates are no help as they have no idea what it is like to stutter.

Some people and their ideas about stuttering!

2010-02-22T10:16:00.002-05:00

I thought I had heard or read it all, but here is another ridiculous "cure" for stuttering!

"I've heard that it may help if they take a sip of water or chew on something when the stuttering starts. It's kind of like hiccups, where the muscles and nerves need to be reset."

Why do people believe things like this and "tickling your baby will cause him to stutter" and other such nonsense? And, why do people pay for "cures" for something that absolutely won't work. I am constantly amazed at the people who will try to make a buck off of things like curing a stutter, a lisp, anxiety, etc in "20 minutes" or "instantly," but even more so at the people who believe them!

Stuttering Foundation Hails New Research

2010-02-20T11:17:00.001-05:00

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The mystery behind a complex disorder called stuttering became a little clearer today with the announcement of the discovery of three genes for stuttering by Dennis Drayna, Ph.D., a director of the Stuttering Foundation and researcher for the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

“This research is important because it’s another indication that emotional factors such as anxiety or ‘bad parenting’ do not cause stuttering. It could also point the way for a cure one day,” says Jane Fraser, president of the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation.

“We hear every day from parents worried that they have caused their child’s stuttering. Parents don’t cause stuttering, and this research should lift the burden of guilt from their shoulders,” Fraser noted. “But because a cure may be years away, speech therapy and early intervention with young children remain the best option for now.”

“We have long known that stuttering runs in families,” says Fraser. “We want to emphasize that a genetic predisposition for stuttering does not mean a person will have a lifelong problem. Early treatment in young children can effectively prevent stuttering.”

Developing an understanding of the biological basis of stuttering may someday lead to better early diagnosis, differential treatments for people with genetic indicators, and a better understanding of how speech production happens differently for people who stutter. Although Dr. Drayna notes that his findings are unlikely to have any immediate impact on treatment, they nonetheless represent a giant step forward.

copied from a Stuttering Foundation press release www.stutteringhelp.org

Stuttering and genetics

2010-02-19T09:22:00.001-05:00

http://themediavore.posterous.com/study-finds-stuttering-is-often-genetic has a very good NPR segment on stuttering and genetics.

Stuttering on the job

2010-02-16T08:20:00.007-05:00

Here is a good article about the daily thoughts that a stutterer has, the things he/she won't do, and some audio clips of a therapist and a stutterer. It also includes suggestions for better speech.

http://www.bu.edu/today/2010/02/12/syllables-self-esteem-and-stuttering

(Well, this old man can't make that so you can click on it and go straight to the article, so you'll have to copy and paste.)

Now, I wish I had copied the article as I can't get to it again. I get this message:

We’re Sorry.

There have been some changes around here, and for some reason I can't find the page you've requested. Try going back to the homepage, searching with the field above, or browsing by topic.

Stuttering and Genetics

2010-02-12T09:16:00.003-05:00

The internet is buzzing with information about the study that found that stuttering is linked to genetics. If my grandparents were alive today, they would be happy to read Jane Fraser's comment "Parents don't cause stuttering, and this research should lift the burden of guilt from their shoulders" and be assured that their parenting skills did not cause the stuttering in their sons.

Speaking with a stutter

2010-01-16T15:17:00.003-05:00

I ran into a man who stutters the other day. He was having a rather hard time getting out what he wanted to say, but I just waited patiently. He finally told me that he was having one of those bad days when he just couldn't say anything. He was very sad about the death of a friend of the family, and he thought that had gotten him "off." He said on good, happy days, he seems to speak more in a rhythm with more pauses. If he gets excited, mad, sad, or anything extreme, he guesses he forgets to pace his talking, speak in his normal rhythm.

I remember my uncles saying the same thing. They had good days and bad days. I don't remember any of them saying that they tried speaking with a rhythm, but none of them stopped talking because of their stuttering; and they said if they tried not to stutter, they stuttered much worse.

Maybe these hints will help some of you have more good days than bad.

Beware of "cures"

2010-01-12T19:06:00.003-05:00

I am amazed out how many youtube and blogs I am seeing where people are promising a cure for stuttering! It is sad that anyone will ask for even $37 just because you think they will send you a "cure." Beware of these sites, these people! Don't fall for it.

It is also interesting that whenever I post a reply, it always says "your post is awaiting approval" but it is never approved. That goes to show that the person does not want anyone else to say anything.

Why don't I stutter when I talk to you?

2010-01-05T10:46:00.002-05:00

I don't usually post personal things, but this just might help someone. I am a factual person; many people have told me I am left-brained. If a personal story helps someone more than the facts about stuttering, here goes!

While at a party over the holidays, I was sitting on a sofa just watching the crowd. I am not one to mingle much, plus I get tired easily. I don't usually go to gatherings other than family get-togethers, but some family members wanted this old man to join them for some reason.

Anyway, while I was sitting there, I must have looked bored or lonely as a young man came and sat down on the sofa with me. I said "hello" when he sat down, and he didn't say anything. I thought he hadn't heard me, so I spoke a little louder and made some small talk. He still didn't say anything. I just continued to talk about the weather, the pretty dresses some of the girls had on, the Christmas ties the men were wearing, and whatever.

Finally, during one of my pauses, he spoke. We had a very pleasant visit talking about his being in college, where he was from, the fact that I had lived there years ago, and talking about how the place had changed. After about 15 minutes of conversation, he said, "I stutter, so I was afraid to start talking when you first spoke to me; but I am not stuttering while talking to you. I wonder why that is!"

My response, after telling him that I have relatives who stutter so I grew up knowing about stuttering, was "You probably are comfortable with me because you don't have to 'save face' while talking with an old man like you think you do while talking with a pretty girl. It is a one-on-one conversation without several people trying to get in what they want to say. Plus, I speak slowly and pause often without being in a hurry to talk. Or, it could be that you are just having a good day!" His seemed more cheerful and self-confident and decided to go join some people he knew.

He came back very shortly to where I was sitting and said, "No, it is not because I am having a good speaking day. I just stuttered like crazy and blocked when trying to speak to a girl I know. I wish everyone would help me feel the way you do - not rushed, relaxed, peaceful, intelligent, and kinda like I am talking to my teddy bear. Others look at me like I am stupid. and that makes me feel like I am."

This is one thing The Stuttering Foundation of America is trying to do! Let everyone, but especially parents, teachers, and employers know how to talk with someone who stutters, how to make them feel, and change the impression that stutterers are not as intelligent as those who don't stutter.

I hope my telling this story will entice others to help those who stutter by slowing their own speech down, treating them (and looking at them) like anyone else when they talk, and giving them plenty of time to speak.

Look up the brochures at www.stutteringhelp.org and print out some for teachers, employers, and others to give out. You will make a difference in someone's life, I guarantee you.

Use information learned about stuttering

2009-06-08T10:45:00.003-04:00

I saw this quote "Getting the facts is only half the job. The other half is to use them wisely," and immediately thought of all the children who go through speech therapy and learn the techniques they need for better speech, but only use them in therapy sessions. I have read posts of adult stutterers who, after leaving school and not having access to therapy, said they wished they could remember everything they had been taught as they would try harder to use what they had learned, now. Wonder how you get young people to realize that they need to use those techniques and make them part of their everyday life for the rest of their lives. Learning something will do us no good if we don't apply what we have learned.

The same thing goes for parents who have a child who stutters. Getting the information of what to do and how to talk with the child is only the first step (www.stutteringhelp.org has this information); following the suggestions is the wise step.

Teachers, employers, and others should also become informed about stuttering in case they come in contact with someone who stutters. The stories that I have heard about injustices in school and the workplace make me wonder if some people should be allowed to be teachers or employers!

Helping a child who stutters

2009-05-27T08:41:00.005-04:00

Dr. Ramig and Dr. Murphy give some helpful ways to help a child who stutters at http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad11/papers/therapy11/murphy11.html

Children need to learn some coping techniques while they are young so they "change some of the learned avoidant reactions that often develop as a result of the unpleasantness of stuttering." I wonder if many of the adult stutterers would not stutter as badly if they had gotten professional help when they were young, if their parents and teachers had learned how to help them, and if they had not acquired some of the habits of avoidance and secondary behaviors that most people who stutter seem to get.

From posts that I have read online, I feel that many young people who go to a speech therapist don't get much out of it because they don't really want to be there. They don't want to have to leave their regular class in school to go to therapy. If you aren't really wanting to be in therapy at the time, how can you get anything out of it?

Being able to verbalize the fact that you stutter, being able to talk about it to your family, and being able to express your feelings about stuttering is one of the big first steps to improving your speech. Anyone who stutters or who has lived with someone who stutters will tell you that stuttering is worse if you are trying NOT to stutter. If a child knows that a parent is embarrassed by their stuttering, he/she will try not to stutter or will just stop talking. The Stuttering Foundation (www.stutteringhelp.org) has a brochure to help parents who have a child who stutters. They have books, online help, DVDs, and other material to help all ages. Dr. Ramig is coauthor of some of the materials.

National Stuttering Awareness Week and others in May

2009-05-01T16:37:00.002-04:00

Look at this http://battlingforhealth.com/2009/05/health-observances-in-may/

I never realized that we had so many health observances in May. I knew that National Stuttering Awareness Week is always the second week in May, but I didn't know about all the others. I know that much more needs to be done to educate the public about stuttering and how to converse with someone who stutters. That fact was brought out the other day when I saw a post from a stutterer saying that they had gone to a store to ask for a brand of sunglasses and stuttered on the name. The employee repeated it back with the stutter just like the person had said it. What humiliation and what horrible customer service on the part of that employee. It just shows that companies need to train staff better on relating to their customers whether they talk differently, walk differently (or can't walk), look different, or anything.

Pagoclone study in California

2009-03-30T13:17:00.002-04:00

I just saw this on the Stuttering Foundation's MySpace page:

"The Pharmacology Research Institute, based in Los Alamitos, California will be one of the research sites taking part in the new Pagoclone Research Study . This study is a 24 week clinical trial designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Pagoclone for the treatment of adults with stuttering. We will begin enrollment this coming week.Our research center participated in the first Pagoclone study that began about three and a half years ago. If you are interested in participating in the new study please contact our office using the following e-mail address: mhenry@priresearch.com or you can visit our company's website at www. priresearch. com. Stuttering is not listed on our home page but if you select the option to schedule a free consultation and after you select the office of Los Alamitios/Long Beach you will be asked to indicate which study you are interested in and option for Persistent Stuttering will be listed there." (go to this page http://www.priresearch.com/losala.html and choose Persistent Stuttering)

Emily Blunt and stuttering

2009-03-20T22:06:00.003-04:00

Emily found that acting helped her stop stuttering.

This is copied from this page in case it becomes inaccessible in the future:
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/blunt%20credits%20teacher%20for%20curing%20stutter_1098293

"British actress EMILY BLUNT is forever grateful to a teacher at her former school - for inspiring her to take to the stage and cure her childhood stutter.The Devil Wears Prada star suffered a bad stammer as a schoolgirl, but finally overcame her speech impediment when a teacher urged her to take up acting. She says, "I did have a bad stuttering problem as a child. I'd try to push the words out, but it was so frustrating. My parents took me to speech coaches and relaxation coaches. "It didn't work. Then one of my teachers at school had a brilliant idea and said, 'Why don't you speak in an accent in our school play?' I distanced myself from me through this character, and it was so freeing that my stuttering stopped when I was onstage. It really was a miracle."

The reporters should not have used the word "cure" as my bet is that the stuttering is still there, but she has improved. Many people find that they don't stutter at all in certain situations, but they still stutter in others. In A Stutter's Story published by The Stuttering Foundation of America, Fred Murray talks about not stuttering when he was acting in a school play.

Job interviews and people who stutter

2009-03-20T02:55:00.006-04:00

The Stuttering Foundation states "The research is conclusive that people who stutter perform successfully in a range of jobs that require communication skills, from sales to medicine to public relations. However, this may not be evident during the initial interview, perhaps the most stressful speaking situation for everyone, much less someone who stutters. The best way to approach an employee’s stuttering is through honest communication and by refraining from making assumptions about job-related abilities and skills."

A brochure about stuttering is available to take with you on a job interview. Download it at http://www.stutteringhelp.org/DeskLeftDefault.aspx?TabID=13 and give it to the interviewer while telling them you stutter.

The most important thing for stutterers to remember is that it is best to tell the interviewer that you stutter. By doing this at the beginning of the interview and letting them know that stuttering will not hinder work performance, the interview will be much easier. You will stutter more if you try to hide the fact that you stutter. You will also be concentrating more on that then on the best answers to the questions because you will be trying to avoid using words that give you problems.

Get a friend or family member to go through a mock interview with you. Be prepared ahead of time for questions that might be asked. To prepare for a phone interview, use the phone as much as possible ahead of time. Make the telephone a friend instead of your enemy as many stutterers have done.

If you can, get speech therapy from a therapist who specializes in stuttering. If you don't live close to one or can't afford it, try self-therapy.

Organized

2009-03-19T10:53:00.002-04:00

Just a note to let any readers of my blog know that a friend helped me set it up so you can find posts on various topics easier. There is a list of "labels" on the right, now, so you can read those posts on a certain topic that interests you. I hope this helps those who are trying to find certain information about stuttering without having to read every post!

Pagoclone - a drug for stuttering

2009-03-19T08:27:00.004-04:00

First I feel that I need to apologize for not posting for a short time. I am not young and have several health issues.

I noticed that the link I had posted for Pagoclone no longer worked. I changed it to these about the study (Indevus is the manufacturer):

http://www.stutteringhelp.org/default.aspx?tabindex=515&tabid=525
https://online2.americanmediconnect.com/Stuttering_Study/default.aspx
http://www.indevus.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=45

This is nice

2009-01-23T19:46:00.004-05:00

The Stuttering Foundation of America has their catalog online, now! Check this out http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/stuttering/makeadifference/ .

Joe Biden "dealt effectively with stuttering"

2009-01-21T05:12:00.005-05:00

Now that Joe Biden has been sworn in as Vice President, people who grew up with him and teased him for his stuttering can see that someone who stutters can make a difference and can do great things. Biden is a great speaker, but wasn't always able to voice his thoughts like he can, now. See these pages for more about Biden and others who have once struggled with stuttering:

http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=725
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=128

Joe Biden and stuttering

2009-01-16T12:03:00.003-05:00

With the inauguration just days away, a new team will be managing the affairs of our country. Joe Biden, a stutterer, will be our next Vice President. I wonder if his being in this office will effect how people view those who stutter. I hope it is a good example of how people who stutter have no affliction with the brain. They only have a problem with the mechanics of speaking. Too many times, people treat those who stutter as if they were dumb. Too many people ridicule someone who stutters. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone learned how to help those who stutter instead of ridiculing them? Other people who have learned to manage their stuttering and have made a name for themselves in various professions can be found here http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=128.

"Putting a stop to stuttering"

2009-01-05T09:26:00.004-05:00

WCSC in Charleston SC has a segment on that they have labeled "Putting a Stop to Stuttering." See it here http://www.live5news.com/global/story.asp?s=9609394. From what I read, there is no cure for stuttering and this title is the last thing that they should have used. It gives young people the impression that stuttering should and can be stopped. It is great that some children outgrow stuttering as many do when going through a language-learning phase, but what about those many children who will continue to stutter into adulthood? They can learn how to manage it with various techniques taught by speech pathologists trained to work with stuttering or by learning what to do by reading "Self Therapy for the Stutterer" by Malcolm Fraser (published by The Stuttering Foundation www.stutteringhelp.org), but nothing will totally stop or "cure" the stuttering. They will have to practice and use the techniques constantly. Children should also be informed that stuttering is just part of a person and doesn't mean that they are "dumb" or any different than anyone else. If everyone were accepting of differences in people whether they stutter, lisp, wear glasses, have red hair, or any other number of things, the world would be a much better place.

Stress and stuttering

2008-12-13T07:53:00.006-05:00

One of the worst times for a stutterer is when there is stress. The stuttering is always worse then. It doesn't take much to have stress in your life. The time of year can even do it. When Christmas is near, the stress of shopping if you wish to shop in your hometown can be hard if you have to ask a question of a sales person. Ordering over the internet is so much easier since there is no talking involved. The stress of driving in bad weather in winter can turn a good talking day into a bad talking day in no time. Being in crowds of people, whether in the mall or at a family gathering, can make us unconciously stressed.

Anything we can do to minimize stress will help us have less stuttering. The trick is how to do it! Each person is different and will have to find out what causes them stress as well as what helps relieve it.

Some find that getting more rest helps, so try getting to bed a little earlier. Some say that concentrating on something as simple as their breathing helps them keep from thinking about the situation they are in and helps them stay relaxed. This could be detrimental at a party if someone is talking to you as you may miss the conversation for concentrating on relaxing. Perhaps, do several minutes of relaxation techniques before you enter a gathering would help, then excuse yourself to the restroom to do some more if you need to during the party.

The most important thing is to remember that you will stutter more when you are trying NOT to stutter! Just let the stuttering happen and stutter right on through what you are saying. To make others at ease, say something like "I'm having a bad stuttering day today, but it will get better." Let other people know how they can help you through your stuttering moments. If you make your friends and new acquaintances part of your help, and if you teach they about stuttering, most likely you will find that you will have a better relationship with them and will stutter less.

Parents of or adolescents 11-19 years old who stutter needed

2008-10-21T15:03:00.005-04:00

Please help Lucy if you can:

"I am a fourth year university student at De Montfort university studying speech and language therapy. I have an interest in stammering and hope to specialize in this area once qualified. As part of my degree I am conducting a research project looking at the difficulties faced by young people who stammer and their parents. I hope that this project will inform the speech and language therapy service as to what can be done to improve the service provided to help people with a stammer. You do not have to have had speech therapy to participate.

I am looking for parents of adolescents who stutter/stammer and adolescents aged 11 to 19 who stutter/stammer themselves to complete a short questionnaire to help me with my research. All of the information will be confidential and no identifying information will be included. If you are interested in volunteering or would just like more information please message me and I will contact you.

Many thanks,
Lucy Culliford
p0527321x@learner.dmu.ac.uk "

Bullying and teasing

2008-10-16T19:32:00.006-04:00

Almost everyone who stutters has been teased or bullied more than once by children and adults. Some adults have commented that they were teased all their life because of the way they talk.

People who bully want someone who responds in a way that allows them to feel powerful. A child without power cannot bully. Power can be defined as either physical strength, social status, or intimidating behavior.

Here are some tips about what to do if you are bullied:

Ignore the bully. Bullies want to upset you. They don't get what they want if you ignore them.

Yell and repeat what a bully said to you. Bullies don't want others to know what they are up to.

Go place with others and stay in a group. Bullies hate a crowd. Make friends that have similar interests by taking classes or joining a club.

Don't appear upset. Stay calm and cool. Bullies feel powerful if they upset you.

Stay away from where bullying happens, or if you have to go there, go with friends.

Agree with the bully. Bullies count on you to argue with them. If you agree, there's nothing more for the bully to say.

Make a joke out of what the bully said. Humor takes the power out of bullying and shows that you are in control rather than the bully.

Give the bully some facts. Sometimes people bully because they don't understand why someone is different. If you give the bully some facts, you show that you are not upset and you might take away the bully's reason for picking on you.

Laugh, sing, yodel, dance, etc! Bullies count on your acting upset. If you do something unexpected instead, it shows you are not bothered at all.

Be direct. "I don't like your making fun of the way I talk." Bullies want you to just accept what they say. If you tell them directly how you feel and what you want, you let them know they are not in charge.

Tell your teacher at school or supervisor at work. Nobody should have to put up with bullying, teasing, or harrassment of any kind.

Self Therapy book can be downloaded free

2008-10-13T11:47:00.006-04:00

The Stuttering Foundation has added a PDF of the 10th edition of "Self Therapy for the Stutterer" by Malcolm Fraser here http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Portals/English/Book_0012_tenth_ed.pdf

This is a great resource for those who stutter that is shelved at many libraries in the U.S. Now, it is available to anyone anywhere in its entirety!

Interesting articles on stuttering

2008-10-06T13:41:00.004-04:00

The International Stuttering Awareness Day online conference can be found here http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad11/isadcon11.html. There are many good articles on stuttering by specialists in the field and by people who stutter from all over the world. International Stuttering Awareness Day is October 22 each year.

Class Presentation on Stuttering

2008-10-05T23:56:00.007-04:00

I have read of students doing a class presentation in order to teach their classmates and their teacher what stuttering is like and how it affects them. This page http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=121 has tips for doing such a presentation plus a suggested outline to follow. There is a link at the bottom that takes you to a kit made specially for this purpose with enough brochures about stuttering for an entire class. There are also brochures on this page http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=131 that you can download. I would recommend the "Tips for Teachers" and "Tips for Speaking with Someone who Stutters" brochures. Teaching teachers and classmates about stuttering and how to help is a good place to start changing the way all stutterers are treated.

Pagoclone

2008-09-26T13:53:00.003-04:00

I found this on http://www.marketwatch.com/ today:

Indevus Announces Agreement With Teva to Develop Pagoclone for the Treatment of Stuttering
10:30 a.m. EDT Sept. 26, 2008

Indevus announced that it has signed a development, license and commercialization agreement with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for the exclusive, worldwide rights to pagoclone. Indevus previously announced promising data from its 8-week, placebo controlled, double-blind, multi-center Phase II trial in patients with persistent stuttering which showed that pagoclone produced a statistically significant benefit in multiple primary and secondary stuttering endpoints compared to placebo. Pagoclone is a novel member of the cyclopyrrolone class of compounds and acts as a gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) selective receptor modulator.
Under the terms of the Agreement, which is subject to applicable regulatory clearances and customary conditions, Indevus will conduct and Teva will reimburse Indevus for its expenses for a Phase IIb study. The placebo- controlled study will involve approximately 300 patients with stuttering in the U.S. treated for a period of six months and is expected to commence enrollment by the first quarter of 2009.

If the arrangement continues, Teva will be responsible for the conduct of the Phase III program.

"There are currently no approved drugs anywhere in the world for patients with stuttering. Pagoclone has tremendous potential to become a highly significant commercial product, as well as to provide a ground-breaking therapy to the nearly three million Americans and millions of patients around the world who are afflicted with this condition. The deal we have negotiated with Teva allows us to conduct a definitive Phase IIb trial, funded by our partner. If the trial is positive, we believe that both companies will have a unique opportunity to commercialize the first pharmaceutical product for the millions of patients who stutter."

About Pagoclone
Pagoclone is a novel, non-benzodiazepine, selective GABA-A receptor agonist. In clinical studies in anxiety disorders, it has been shown to reduce the symptoms of panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder without causing the sedation or withdrawal effects seen with benzodiazepine agents. Pagoclone trials have enrolled over 1,500 patients to date. In early 2005, Indevus was granted a new U.S. patent covering the use of pagoclone for the treatment of stuttering.

Read the full story here: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/indevus-announces-agreement-teva-develop/story.aspx?guid=%7BD1C01E20-BB6C-479C-94F7-909C41AA72EF%7D&dist=hppr

Research on attitude and stuttering

2008-09-22T06:51:00.003-04:00

Here is a great article on a survey that states "People who stutter report greater success with speech treatment that focuses on attitudes than on speech modification." Perhaps those who stutter and have gone through speech therapy with no results should focus on finding a therapist who specializes in treating stuttering as they will use all of the tools needed to help the stutterer, including changes in attitude. Read the article here http://www.asha.org/about/publications/leader-online/archives/2003/q2/030513e.htm

Knowledge

2008-09-14T15:22:00.003-04:00

Knowing all you can about any condition that affects you, a family member, or a friend is the first step in making sure the condition doesn't become a problem. The knowledge of how the body creates and uses insulin and what is needed to be done will help the diabetic live a normal life. The knowledge of how the joints work, what to do if arthritis sets in, and how to protect the joints will help the arthritic live a normal life. The knowledge of what happens to the aging brain, that nutrition and mental exercise help, and the signs of dementia will help the elderly have a longer, productive life. The same thing goes for stuttering. Knowing how to help yourself and where to go for help, practicing the techniques for better speech, and adjusting any poor attitudes will help the stutterer lead a more normal life.

Stuttering Bill of Rights & Responsibilities

2008-09-08T03:53:00.004-04:00

Read the entire list here http://www.stuttering.ws/bill_of_rights.htm

Here is a tidbit from the above site:

"The Right to communicate and be listened to regardless of one's degree of stuttering

The Right to be treated with dignity and respect by individuals, groups, institutions, and the media regardless of one's degree of stuttering

The Responsibility to inform listeners or conversation partners if one needs additional time to communicate

The Responsibility to assist whenever possible in educating the public about stuttering and its ramifications "

Meeting others who stutter

2008-09-08T03:36:00.005-04:00

Meeting others who stutter and knowing that you are not the only one having to deal with the speech difficulty can be very helpful. You can learn from others. There is a support system of people who understand exactly what you are going through. There are opportunities in several places. On the internet:
http://stutteringcantstopme.ning.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stutteringchat/

http://groups.myspace.com/stutteringfoundation

Stuttering Foundation on Facebook

http://www.stutteringforum.com/forums/

http://stuttertalk.com/

http://www.meetup.com/The-Toronto-Stutterers-Meetup-Group/

Contact organizations and therapists who treat stuttering to find workshops and conferences where you can meet others who stutter. One example is http://www.friendswhostutter.org/.

Choral Effect on Stuttering

2008-08-28T20:59:00.004-04:00

In Robert Logan's book "The Three Dimensions of Stuttering", he states:
"In their book 'Motor Speech Disorders,' Darley, Aronson and Brown (1975) estimated that fluent speech requires 140,000 neuromuscular events per second of speech. Consider, too, that these events must be programmed, co-ordinated, and performed flawlessly. It is a wonder that stuttering is not the norm and that we do not treat fluent speech as the disorder. These 140,000 events are the final result of input of central and peripheral neurological sites into the muscles of the entire motor speech system. In stutterers, we lack the ability to time this system properly. If, however, we have a second signal, such as someone reciting along with us, we are able to properly synchronize these 140,000 events."

Former stutterer Senator Joe Biden

2008-08-28T07:36:00.006-04:00

Joe Biden is now a candidate for Vice President. He does not keep it a secret that he used to stutter. This article, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20049251/, that was published last year tells about his life and mentions this about his stuttering:

"Joe Impedimenta. My classmates hung that nickname on me our first semester of high school when we were doing two periods of Latin a day. It was one of the first big words we learned. Impedimenta — the baggage that impedes one’s progress. So I was Joe Impedimenta. Or Dash.
A lot of people thought they called me Dash because of football. I was fast, and I scored my share of touchdowns. But the guys at an all-boys Catholic school usually didn’t give you nicknames to make you feel better about yourself. They didn’t call me Dash because of what I could do on the football field; they called me Dash because of what I could not do in the classroom. I talked like Morse code. Dot-dot-dot-dot-dash-dash-dash-dash. 'You gu-gu-gu-gu-guys sh-sh-sh-sh-shut up!' My impedimenta was a stutter."