I was quite pleased to read your column "New support group striving for some public awareness" (The Press-Tribune, Sept. 19). I have long thought stuttering does not receive as much press as other disabilities, and this probably results in the little funding that stuttering research receives.
Ansel Oliver makes a compelling case for this new support group.
I totally concur with Oliver's statement that it is important stutterers find a speech therapist who has experience working with stuttering. I always recommend to people the Web site of The Stuttering Foundation of America (www.stutteringhelp.org) because it features a national listing of qualified speech therapists who specialize in stuttering.
The Stuttering Foundation, a nonprofit organization, offers a ton of books and DVDs for adults, children, parents and teachers; their help line is (800) 992-9392.
Another great resource for parents and children is the Web site of The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children (www.stammeringcentre.org). This London-based clinic offer great information, in my opinion.
I was not surprised that Oliver's stuttering began during junior year of high school, as the speech problem can appear in later years. While a definite cause for stuttering has yet to be identified, much evidence points to both genetic and neurological factors. The genetic factor can be triggered in later years.
I applaud Ansel Oliver for writing this column and I hope the support group thrives.
Phong T. Nguyen,
Union City, N.J.
