major speech Pathology

[fifi]

ok i have been in college for two years know and i just really found my desire and its to go into speech pathology I wont to help kids with their speech because i have been thier myself I know how it feel to be picked on at school everyday and talked about. is thier anyone elcs here thats wonts to go into speech patholoy as well.

[emily445455]

hi fifi- I was an Elementary Education major for 3 yrs, then last semester switch to Speech-Langauge Pathology. I'm not sure if I'm going to get my masters right now (you can't practice without an MA). But if I ever do, I want to work with stutterers. :-)

[fifi]

thats cool

[Vermillion]

how is anyone going to take you serious if you still stutter as a speech therapist?

[emily445455]

Vermillion- Stuttering isn't something that can ever be cured (no matter what people say, lol) it is a brain abnormality that we can not help. So we will always "still stutter".

Also, I've heard many stutterers say they prefer to see an SLP who stutters because they understand what the patient is going through. I love the SLP who hosts the stuttering support groups in my area, but she will NEVER understand what we go through, thus, she can never TOTALLY relate.

[nate]

Also, I've heard many stutterers say they prefer to see an SLP who stutters because they understand what the patient is going through.

Honestly I wouldnt go to an SLP that still stutters. Its like going to a mechanic who's car is the most ramshackle vehicle in town, or the builder who's house fell down, or the marriage counsellor whos been divorced thrice, or the doctor who's family gets a discount at the ER coz theyre there so often, or the teacher whose kids are failing miserbly, or the dentist who has has teeth like the horses in the July handicap, or the accountant whos been audited every year of his life since he started practicing, or the motivational speaker who's life is in the doldrums...
I better stop:D
I am not taking the piss. Just thought I might elaborate. But by all means, pursue your dreams. Its at the very least a noble cause. and you maye be right.
Nate
-------------------------------------------------
Dont hate, Appreciate

[Adrian]

Honestly I wouldnt go to an SLP that still stutters. Its like going to a mechanic who's car is the most ramshackle vehicle in town, or the builder who's house fell down, or the marriage counsellor whos been divorced thrice, or the doctor who's family gets a discount at the ER coz theyre there so often, or the teacher whose kids are failing miserbly, or the dentist who has has teeth like the horses in the July handicap, or the accountant whos been audited every year of his life since he started practicing, or the motivational speaker who's life is in the doldrums...
I better stop:D
I am not taking the piss. Just thought I might elaborate. But by all means, pursue your dreams. Its at the very least a noble cause. and you maye be right.
Nate
-------------------------------------------------
Dont hate, Appreciate

It really depends on what the client expects to gain from therapy. If he expects total fluency, then yes, they will avoid the stuttering therapist. If he simply wants to learn some compensatory techniques and become an eloquent (not fluent) speaker, then the stuttering therapist will be far better.

I would go and have gone to an SLP who still stutters. Out of the 10 or so SLPs I have seen, he was the only one who truly understood this problem. I think the profession needs more people with speech disorders, not just a bunch of clueless do gooders! :p

[emily445455]

Nate- unlike those other things you named, stuttering will never be completely cured. Most of the other things can be fixed, stuttering, since it's in the brain...can't, at least not now.

[fifi]

Vermillion- Stuttering isn't something that can ever be cured (no matter what people say, lol) it is a brain abnormality that we can not help. So we will always "still stutter".

Also, I've heard many stutterers say they prefer to see an SLP who stutters because they understand what the patient is going through. I love the SLP who hosts the stuttering support groups in my area, but she will NEVER understand what we go through, thus, she can never TOTALLY relate.

thank you for that wisdom you just spoke

[mo885]

Vermillion- Stuttering isn't something that can ever be cured (no matter what people say, lol) it is a brain abnormality that we can not help. So we will always "still stutter".
.

How can you say for certainly that we can't ever be cured?? I think we all hope to be cured someday (at least I do) and I do think it is possible with hard work and a good mindset. I also think there are many different theories on why we stutter so just pointing out that not everyone believes we have a brain abnormality.

[Adrian]

How can you say for certainly that we can't ever be cured?? I think we all hope to be cured someday (at least I do) and I do think it is possible with hard work and a good mindset. I also think there are many different theories on why we stutter so just pointing out that not everyone believes we have a brain abnormality.

Mo, I agree with Emily on this one. There are many theories on what causes stuttering, but the research clearly shows it is caused by a brain abnormality. That is not to say we cannot improve with hard work and a good mindset. Some of us can become pretty close to fluent with the right approach, but that will only be because we have learned to compensate for our deficiencies.

[emily445455]

Mo- Researchers have proven that it is a brain abnormality and cannot be cured (at least not yet). The best we can do is try to make our speech more fluent and learn to accept it for how it is :)

[emily445455]

Hi Power of 3- I'm glad there are people who can speak fluently...but the fact still remains that (if it was a true stutter), they still have the brain abnormality and will always have it. Research has proven this :) You don't have to believe it I guess.

If someone did stutter, then had no hint of it whatsoever in their brains, then yes, I'd say God did it thru a miracle, lol, not thru their own efforts :)

[Adrian]

Hi Power of 3- I'm glad there are people who can speak fluently...but the fact still remains that (if it was a true stutter), they still have the brain abnormality and will always have it. Research has proven this :) You don't have to believe it I guess.

Power of Three, again, I agree with Emily. And, no one is saying stuttering cannot be improved without the use of drugs. Some of us can learn to compensate for the abnormality, but the abnormality will always be there.

[nate]

Hi Power of 3- I'm glad there are people who can speak fluently...but the fact still remains that (if it was a true stutter), they still have the brain abnormality and will always have it. Research has proven this :) You don't have to believe it I guess.

If someone did stutter, then had no hint of it whatsoever in their brains, then yes, I'd say God did it thru a miracle, lol, not thru their own efforts :)

Whats a true stutter? How can one tell, and please dont say go for a CAT scan, most of us cant afford it!

Nate
:eek:

[emily445455]

Nate- I'm not sure if "true stutter" is the correct term...but it's when someone is born with the stuttering abnormality gene. They can improve their stuttering, but the gene will always be there.

A "learned stutter" (I think that's the correct term) is a stutter that involves no abnormal gene, but the child stutters for a brief period of time then grows out of it :) Sometimes this can be caused by too much stress in adults too.

[emily445455]

How old are you Jayne? It could be caused by stress or some other tramatic event in your life. I highly doubt you have the gene and just haven't shown it until now.

[Adrian]

Child?? So what would your 'text book' theory be for someone who started to stammer at the age of 32??? When will I grown out of it?! Lol Put your text books down Emily and join the real world!

I would imagine 99% of the people on this group have persistent developmental stuttering (i.e. it begins in childhood and lasts into adulthood). Stuttering which begins in adulthood is very very rare and is likely a different phenomenon.

[mo885]

Hi Power of 3- I'm glad there are people who can speak fluently...but the fact still remains that (if it was a true stutter), they still have the brain abnormality and will always have it. Research has proven this :) You don't have to believe it I guess.

If someone did stutter, then had no hint of it whatsoever in their brains, then yes, I'd say God did it thru a miracle, lol, not thru their own efforts :)

Emily just for this debate- not trying to be arguementative lol! But you keep saying that it is proven that we can't be cured and there is a brain abnormality but can you back it up with research? I know I haven't seen any studies that prove this and I am in the health care field.

Also, how do I have a brain abnormality when I didn't start stuttering until I have 14 years old? My brain was certainly working fine for 14 years just the last 8 it has messed with me.

[Shaz cackles]

One moment we are told that red wine is bad for us. Next thing we know, a glass or two a day is great for us. Next time, it switches back to no red wine. And thus so on and so forth........

That one always did confuse me! lol Not that I take any notice of such rubbish. A little of what you fancy can only be a good thing, so i'll keep drinking the red wine! :D

Get your point though POT and I completely agree with what you're saying.

[Adrian]

Genes.....brain abnormailty...... research proven.....

All fine and dandy if that is how you live your life. All the more power to you. Live by medical research and what report papers say.

But I do not. And I will not.

A silly but nonetheless true example is thus (and in now way related to speech, before you all jump up and down with glee at my expense - an example of medical research findings!): One moment we are told that red wine is bad for us. Next thing we know, a glass or two a day is great for us. Next time, it switches back to no red wine. And thus so on and so forth........

We have all heard of people who have cured themselves of cancer via postive thought and actions. Medical science says that cancer cannot be cured. Yet these people are still here today, not by a miracle, but by hard work.

Which is what these people I know have done. One of these people who have gained fluency is a blood aunt. Who, one would assume shares a lot of genes with me.

You can wax lyrical about brain abnormalities and medical research. That is your right to free speech.

But there are natural therapies and remedies in this world that all of these white coated lab workers turn their nose up at simply because THEY do not believe it. Just as I (perhaps in my ignorance you may say) will not accept your point.

Nature always finds a way. And I will always place nature over man.

PowerOfThree, do what you think is best for you, my friend. Personally, I have nothing against natural therapies or positive thinking. But if I were diagnosed with cancer, I would put my faith in someone with a white coat and well versed in the latest medical research.

[Adrian]

Emily just for this debate- not trying to be arguementative lol! But you keep saying that it is proven that we can't be cured and there is a brain abnormality but can you back it up with research? I know I haven't seen any studies that prove this and I am in the health care field.

Also, how do I have a brain abnormality when I didn't start stuttering until I have 14 years old? My brain was certainly working fine for 14 years just the last 8 it has messed with me.

Maureen, sorry to jump into your debate with Emily. But here is some reading on stuttering research.

http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=35

[emily445455]

Power of 3- Whatever you want to do is good with me :)

[mo885]

Maureen, sorry to jump into your debate with Emily. But here is some reading on stuttering research.

http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=35

Thanks Adrian I'll look at it when I have some time. I was just trying to prove a point with her that you can't keeps saying over and over again in a condescending way that *I am right you are wrong* because research proves this and then never back it up. She also didn't answer my question that if she believes then brain causes stuttering how was my brain working fine for 14 years and then not all of a sudden?

[emily445455]

mo- I didn't see your question. I don't know why you stuttering appeared later in life. True stutters (or whatever the techinical term is) appear within childhood. Also, I never said I was right...just what the research says :) There's not much we can go by but research.

[Adrian]

She also didn't answer my question that if she believes then brain causes stuttering how was my brain working fine for 14 years and then not all of a sudden?

Maureen, from the research I have read, I'll take an educated guess at your question. The brain is still developing at 14 and perhaps an underlying deficiency did not take hold until then (maybe because of enviromental factors). Disorders such Tourette's, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can show themselves later in life and no one disputes they are brain based disorders. Of course, as I said, this is just a guess and I could be wrong. ;)

[emily445455]

Adrian, good point. :)

[jak]

over the years I have been to several slps and have never been impressed with any of them and received no benefit from it .When you go to a slp you have to remember this is ther job and they want to make money off you and dont tell you ther is no cure ,they just string you along too make ther money,one slp wanted 90.00 a hr to fix me ,they prey on people who stutter and are desperate

[emily445455]

Jak- not all SLPs are that way. I know many SLPs who have a real passion for helping those with speech problems.

[SharkAl]

I strongly believe that a stutter can be cured. I have seen evidence of it. Read my blog on Gareth Gates, which was written a few days ago the link is below. He can speak fluently now but he does insist your never cured but just learn not to stutter. Make your own mind up but am sure you can. If you were hynotised into never knowing you were hypnotised - you never would again. I also cover this in the blog if you want to comment on it.

[emily445455]

Power of 3- LOL, why are you so picky? The SLPs I know use "problem, disorder" etc. Because that's what it is. If someone comes into a speech clinic, they probably feel (or someone else feels) their speech is a problem.

[Adrian]

I strongly believe that a stutter can be cured. I have seen evidence of it. Read my blog on Gareth Gates, which was written a few days ago the link is below. He can speak fluently now but he does insist your never cured but just learn not to stutter. Make your own mind up but am sure you can. If you were hynotised into never knowing you were hypnotised - you never would again. I also cover this in the blog if you want to comment on it.

Shark, I am in the same therapy program as Gareth Gates (McGuire Program). As you mentioned, he does not cl to be cured. He admits he still has some problems and must practice techniques everyday to maintain his level of fluency. His progress has been amazing and he is a great role model of how we can improve our speech. But, by his own admission, he will always be a stutterer and is not cured.

[SharkAl]

Shark, I am in the same therapy program as Gareth Gates (McGuire Program). As you mentioned, he does not cl to be cured. He admits he still has some problems and must practice techniques everyday to maintain his level of fluency. His progress has been amazing and he is a great role model of how we can improve our speech. But, by his own admission, he will always be a stutterer and is not cured.

Adrian - thanks for the reply. Do you not think though, that he has to think like that? The minute he stops concentrating, the minute he thinks he is cured and relaxes a bit too much his stutter will come back. But to everyone else, he is fine. In everyone elses eyes he is fine, but in his head he isn't.

How is that program working out for you anyway? Good luck with it.

[Adrian]

Adrian - thanks for the reply. Do you not think though, that he has to think like that? The minute he stops concentrating, the minute he thinks he is cured and relaxes a bit too much his stutter will come back. But to everyone else, he is fine. In everyone elses eyes he is fine, but in his head he isn't.

How is that program working out for you anyway? Good luck with it.

Of course, he must always think like that, which is why he is not cured. To be truly cured is to have natural fluent speech with no thought and no chance of relapse.

I have improved alot with McGuire. I never avoid any situations or words and I am much more fluent. I definately still stutter though.

BTW, it took Gareth five years and several relapses to get where he is now. McGuire is not a magic cure, but it can really help those willing to work their asses off.

[SharkAl]

Of course, he must always think like that, which is why he is not cured. To be truly cured is to have natural fluent speech with no thought and no chance of relapse.

I have improved alot with McGuire. I never avoid any situations or words and I am much more fluent. I definately still stutter though.

BTW, it took Gareth five years and several relapses to get where he is now. McGuire is not a magic cure, but it can really help those willing to work their asses off.

Did it really take him 5 years? I didnt realise that, thought it was less. Thanks for the info and good luck with your program. Will no doubt speak soon.

[bolo]

just for my 1 pence worth,

Aren't conditions like depression, also 'brain abnormalities'. That can be treated..

Just because its a condition relating to the brain doesnt mean that it cant be treat and I certainly dont think its something so black and white that people either have or have not got a stuttering brain abnormality.

I think you'd find it very difficult if impossible to find any person who hasnt stuttered in some form during their lives. Of course not everyone has it to the level where we have to admit to ourselves we have a stuttering problem, but what some people may regard as a stutter is just normal speech to others. By this I mean instances in when I've caught some TV interview with a politician for example, who in my mind is stuttering throughout the interview.. but to anyone else its just normal speech, but I'd see it as a stutter, maybe a mild form but enough there to warrent the label stutter.

Japan4

[bolo]

Of course, he must always think like that, which is why he is not cured. To be truly cured is to have natural fluent speech with no thought and no chance of relapse.

I have improved alot with McGuire. I never avoid any situations or words and I am much more fluent. I definately still stutter though.

BTW, it took Gareth five years and several relapses to get where he is now. McGuire is not a magic cure, but it can really help those willing to work their asses off.

Pardon my ignorance and risk of sounding arrogant but what is the hard work you speak of that people will have to go through ?

[Adrian]

Pardon my ignorance and risk of sounding arrogant but what is the hard work you speak of that people will have to go through ?

The hard work in McGuire includes practicing the technique for twenty minutes alone each day. But the hard part is the constant pushing out of confort zones. The program expects you to never avoid words or situations and proactively attack any feared words or situations. You are expected to make practice phone calls every day, talk to as many people as possible, and join public speaking clubs. You really need to focus on the program every waking hour to make it work for you.

[zerocool79]

Man,

First of all, research can kiss my tush! Stuttering is so complex that we do not know Jack about it so please if you are going to state something like " Stuttering WILL NEVER be cured" then be accountable for it and do not just say "Ok do whatever you want" I do not know if it is cured or not but what I do know is that NO ONE can freaking explain me why I started stuttering at age 18- 20. The fact is I stutter and reaserch shows me that they do not know the answers but just have bits and pieces of information. Just last year "researchers" demostrated that pagaclone caused stutterers to reduce the rattleing but I have spoken to many and NOTHING. I think there is much more to it than just the brain. There is a huge grey section so all the wise people please show some humbleness and not come with 100% truths. Here is another gem, I have been married for a year and my wife is starting to stutter. Not the random stuttering but the one which you cant say anything. It worries me and I feel bad for it. What do researchers say of this.

PEACE

My stutter story blog (http://stutterstories.blogspot.com)

[Adrian]

Did it really take him 5 years? I didnt realise that, thought it was less. Thanks for the info and good luck with your program. Will no doubt speak soon.

That is my understanding, but perhaps it was less. I know he really struggled in the beginning. Keep in mind, his story is not typical. Every McGuire graduate has their own level of success. Some have alot of success from the very beginning and others don't have any success and most are somewhere in the middle. I admire Gareth because he really did struggle in the beginning and kept up with it.

[Adrian]

I think there is much more to it than just the brain.

I agree. Stuttering is very complex. I do think in many cases environmental issues do play a role. But, I do think that some sort of brain abnormality is involved in most, if not all, cases of stuttering.

[longwindingroad]

ok i have been in college for two years know and i just really found my desire and its to go into speech pathology I wont to help kids with their speech because i have been thier myself I know how it feel to be picked on at school everyday and talked about. is thier anyone elcs here thats wonts to go into speech patholoy as well.


I think there are a lot of variables at play here.

My first declared college major, as a freshman, was speech pathology. I must confess that it was not a good choice for me. It wasn't a good choice considering my severe stutter and social phobia. This is years ago, before social phobia was recognized as a psychological disorder in the late '80s or the early '90s.

A career in speech pathology might be a good fit, even with a stutter, but certain benchmarks should be present; good verbal skills; manageable anxiety; outgoing personality; manageable stage fright while speaking to an audience, etc.

I've read several profiles of speech pathologists on the Internet who do stutter. As I recall, they did encounter a few problems. For some of them, it wasn't smooth-sailing. A mild stutter would certainly not be as limiting, job-wise, as a severe stutter. A severe stutter would probably limit employment opportunities.

When I was in group therapy in college, one of the group members was a pharmacy major with a very severe stutter. The pharmacy department told him that he would not graduate unless his stuttering improved. They were concerned that his severe stutter was a potential risk; since clear, verbal communication is essential in the pharmacy profession. One little misunderstanding could result in the wrong medication being filled. As I remember, his stutter did not improve, so I assume he may not have graduated.

I would advise you to talk to speech pathologists. Good luck!

[andrewg818]

I went through a program whose requirements were identical to what Adrian describes of Maguire...There is more, hard work, however, than the external tools: There is a lot of inner work going...As the stutterer becomes fluent, there is usually initially elation..followed by major fear, stress, and an almost overwhelming, ironic urge to resume stuttering in spite of the exercises. This occurs when their subconscious identity as a stutterer is challenged, and their sub-c "fights back" attempting to reinstate stuttering. They begin to think "I just can't do this-- It would be easier if I just went back to stuttering, it stinks but I've done it this long..." Many quit at that point. Personally, I was told that it happens once--but in the first 12-18 months, I went through at least 1/2 dozen major and mini attacks of the subconscious-- both in general and in specific situations--before I psychologically accepted both my new technique completely and my new fluency.
This ongoing mental conflict is a MAJOR part of the work..as are conquering zillions of other fears along the way.