We’re blessed to have served so many wonderful people. In this post, British actor and writer Simon Boughey shares about his history and friendship with the American Institute for Stuttering. Thanks Simon, for taking the time out to see us, whenever you’re here in NYC.
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Very cool. I like this one. He attended the program 13 years ago so he’s got 12 and a half years on me but I can already relate to what he is saying. Very fluent speech too! Good to hear he is acting etc. It always helps to see someone excelling in a field that requires a lot of speech.
Comment by Matt O'Malley — June 24, 2009 @ 12:58 am
I too enjoy hearing and seeing others talk about success and triumphs. So much of the stuttering experience can be stressful and overwhelming. I tend to reflect on the powerful emotions and feelings that come with stuttering. I think that is just as important as the actual journey toward more fluent speech, if that is indeed the goal. I like tothink my goal is effective communication.
I love these video updates – really hits home!
Comment by Pam — June 30, 2009 @ 11:59 am
We’re so glad you’re enjoying the videos, Pam. We’ve been following your blog as well. In fact, your blog post today with the sample of you and your sister talking is really great!
Openness about stuttering with those close to you can be such a key factor for PWS. It provides a support system that for some, has never been there before. As our clients wrap up therapy, we always encourage them to have a conversation with close friends and family to communicate what these people can do to help, if anything.
Comment by Carl — June 30, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
Carl,
I was shocked when I read your comment because I am trying to work toward talking with my parents about stuttering, and more specifically the emotions that go along with being a person who stutters. I have a feeling they are clueless with what I go through on a daily basis. Do you have any suggestions?
Comment by Sarah — June 30, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
Sarah,
We’ve seen numerous people who stutter in similar situations, and everyone seems to respond differently. It can be a really tough scenario when parents don’t understand just how physically strenuous, mentally fatiguing, and emotionally deep-seeded stuttering can be.
I was actually just discussing your question with four people who stutter, as we’ve just finished a day of the intensive program and are about to start our weekly support/practice group. They all had different opinions on the matter, and each opinion was strongly impacted by that individual’s personal experiences with their parents and loved ones. They suggested that you consider making a list of the things you’d like your parents to know about your stuttering and affirm to yourself why you want them to know these things. Another starting point would be to read our About Stuttering section on our website and encourage your parents to do the same.
It’s a bit challenging for me to answer the question, because I know so little about you and your experiences with stuttering. I could give a more detailed suggestion if I knew some basic information such as your age, experience with speech therapy if any, and perhaps what you’ve already done to try improving your parents’ understanding of stuttering. It would also be helpful to know how they’ve responded to your stuttering, and what they’ve done or not done to show that they don’t really understand the emotional effects of stuttering. We can keep this dialogue going publicly on this blog post or privately (just email me at cherder at stuttering treatment dot com).
Comment by Carl — June 30, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
Hey Carl,
I tried to send an e-mail to this address.
cherder@stutteringtreatment.com
It did not work. Do I have the e-mail address correct?
Comment by Sarah — June 30, 2009 @ 7:28 pm
Oops! It’s .org rather than .com
Comment by Carl Herder — June 30, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
haha ok. I just you the e-mail.
Comment by Sarah — July 1, 2009 @ 9:50 am