Self-Help in the Home: The Limited-Equity Housing Cooperatives of Washington, DC

Purpose This study explored group experiences and individual differences in the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings perceived by adults who stutter. Respondents' goals when speaking and prior participation in self-help/support groups were used to predict individual differences in reported behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Method In this study, 502 adults who stutter completed a survey examining their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in and around moments of stuttering. Data were analyzed to determine distributions of group and individual experiences. Results Speakers reported experiencing a wide range of both overt behaviors (e.g., repetitions) and covert behaviors (e.g., remaining silent, choosing not to speak). Having the goal of not stuttering when speaking was significantly associated with more covert behaviors and more negative cognitive and affective states, whereas a history of self-help/support group participation was significantly associated with a decreased probability of these behaviors and states. Conclusion Data from this survey suggest that participating in self-help/support groups and having a goal of communicating freely (as opposed to trying not to stutter) are associated with less negative life outcomes due to stuttering. Results further indicate that the behaviors, thoughts, and experiences most commonly reported by speakers may not be those that are most readily observed by listeners.

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Introduction to the Forum on Cluttering: Rays of Hope Shine Around the World

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_pers-19-00065 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (6) ◽

pp. 1566-1567

Author(s):

Isabella Reichel

Keyword(s):

Professional Preparation ◽

Joint Effort ◽

Feedback Training ◽

Successful Communication ◽

Self Help ◽

The World ◽

Common Thread ◽

Evidence Based Treatments ◽

Attention Performance ◽

Self Help Groups

Purpose In the 10 years since the International Cluttering Association (ICA) was created, this organization has been growing in the scope of its initiatives, and in the variety of resources it makes available for people with cluttering (PWC). However, the awareness of this disorder and of the methods for its intervention remain limited in countries around the world. A celebration of the multinational and multicultural engagements of the ICA's Committee of the International Representatives is a common thread running through all the articles in this forum. The first article is a joint effort among international representatives from five continents and 15 countries, exploring various themes related to cluttering, such as awareness, research, professional preparation, intervention, and self-help groups. The second article, by Elizabeth Gosselin and David Ward, investigates attention performance in PWC. In the third article, Yvonne van Zaalen and Isabella Reichel explain how audiovisual feedback training can improve the monitoring skills of PWC, with both quantitative and qualitative benefits in cognitive, emotional, and social domains of communication. In the final article, Hilda Sønsterud examines whether the working alliance between the client and clinician may predict a successful cluttering therapy outcome. Conclusions Authors of this forum exchanged their expertise, creativity, and passion with the goal of solving the mystery of the disconcerting cluttering disorder with the hope that all PWC around the globe will have access to the most effective evidence-based treatments leading to blissful and successful communication.

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Stuttering-Related Podcasts: Audio-Based Self-Help for People Who Stutter

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-20-00014 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 1131-1138

Author(s):

Lauren E. Dignazio ◽

Megan M. Kenny ◽

Erik X. Raj ◽

Kyle D. Pelkey

Keyword(s):

Support Groups ◽

Support Group ◽

Online Survey ◽

Multiple Choice ◽

Speech Language Pathologists ◽

Group Leaders ◽

Self Help ◽

Group Members

Purpose It is known that people who stutter (PWS) benefit from self-help experiences, such as attending support groups or conferences. However, limited research has been done to explore the listening of stuttering-related podcasts as a form of self-help for PWS. This study seeks to understand the reasons why PWS listen to stuttering-related podcasts and provide descriptions of their listening experiences. Method Thirty-three PWS who have listened to stuttering-related podcasts were recruited to participate in an online survey that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Responses were analyzed and grouped into descriptive themes. Results Participants reported listening to stuttering-related podcasts as a way to gain information and perspective. They also reported experiences that fit themes of empowerment and camaraderie, as a result of listening. Conclusions Stuttering-related podcasts seem to be a positive self-help tool for PWS. Stuttering support group leaders and/or speech-language pathologists may consider introducing their group members or clients who stutter to this type of audio-based self-help experience.

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