How to have an empathetic conversation with clients and parents about stuttering as a professional?
Many people have the misconception that a person who stutters can be “cured” or their “stuttering problem can be fixed”. From speaking with other professionals, people who stutter, and parents of people who stutter, I learned that sometimes other people with very little knowledge of stuttering will state information as facts that they read in some blog or heard about medications working to “cure” a stutter and put an idea into parents and individuals who stutter heads that the stutter will be fixed. How can a professional talk to parents and people who stutter in an empathetic and hopeful way while also speaking on the fact that stuttering cannot be fixed but can be managed?
Excellent question. I will leave this for the speech language pathologist to respond. You would want to eventually connect them to a stuttering support group such as FRIENDS so they can meet other kids who Stutter and their parents can talk with other parents. Fortunately, during the pandemic, organizations like FRIENDS really maximized on the benefits of virtual support groups. Providing literature from the stuttering foundation of America is good as well.
Leah, I generally start by dispelling the prevailing myths they have read/believed with what we know about stuttering given the most recent evidence available. Most parents don’t understand that stuttering has neurophysiological and/or genetic underpinnings, so I always start with education in instances where there is misinformation. I find that this alleviates feelings of guilt and blame, especially when individuals and/or families feel the stuttering is their fault due to something they have done or NOT done.
Hi Leah, I fully agree with Ana Paula. Another very important thing to do is to listen to the worries they have. And be honest. Most people are very happy when they hear the true, honest facts.