International, out of state and therapy on the computer

Please contact me. I can do this for fluency therapy and would be more than happy to work with you, via webcam. Lori@allislandspeech.com or 516-776-0184, contact Lori. Can't wait to hear from you!!

Apple I touch, I phone, Ipod-Great for practice-School aged kids and adults

HI all-
As most of you know, I am still in the learning process of technology. I learn more from the teenagers everyday. I am starting a podcast that anyone can download for practice. I am also developing follow up therapy via the computer for anyone who has a camera on the computer. It will be more affordable for long term therapy. I encourage this for the international and out of state clients especially. Ideally, face to face therapy is best, but for those who can't do this for logistics or financial reasons, there are other options available. Please contact me either via phone 516-776-0184 or e-mail Lori@allislandspeech.com. tks PS Any updates on technology is always appreciated!!

The Speech Easy

I recently have gotten several calls inquiring about the speech easy device by Janus. I know two people who had it following intensive speech therapy. One was a doctor and considered it a tool in his box, so to speak. The other was a psychologist who wore it consistently for two years and then weaned himself off it after practicing every day. Many people have told me they can't wear it because of the buzz in their ear. My fear as a person who stutters is that many people are buying it and assuming it is a miracle cure. It is not and please don't be fooled by the reports from Oprah. I have never tried it because I don't stutter severely anymore and honestly it is very expensive!! I also think I can achieve the same results with you by slowing down your speech in therapy to a rate where you can't possibly stutter. Of course, this is something you can't wear but can record on the Apple I touch or Apple I phone, from what the teenagers have told me.

Even if you purchase it, therapy is needed along with it. I would be happy to work with anyone who has it. Just please be careful when purchasing it that it is something you are planning to consistently wear. I would not recommend it for kids. I know one family of an 8 year old who tried it for a month. Their son wouldn't wear it and luckily they could bring it back. He is doing beautifully in fluency therapy now. It is very expensive so please think and research its effectiveness before buying it. I would be happy to help you with this. Also, please remember that I offer student discounts for intensive therapy. Thanks for reading this! Have a good day! Hopefully my website will be back and running today after it is uopdated.

Remember, there is help out to improve fluency. Stuttering can be menaged and your communication skills can be improved. I did this and so can you!! Don't wait to get help!!

Intensive Therapy vs weekly therapy for stuttering

Many of you have asked me what the difference is between short term intensive therapy with long term follow up vs. weekly therapy. I can say I have seen both have positive effects on fluency. Generally, the more severe the stuttering, the more intensive the therapy. I say why stutter severely if you can learn how to be more fluent and manage stuttering in everyday life? For me, intensive therapy with long term follow up worked. For others, weekly therapy is preferred.

How can I help you? I can help you learn how to help you coordinate your breathing. I can help you connect your words. I can help you not let stuttering control you. I can help you become more fluent!!!! Lori@allislandspeech.com, www.allislandspeech.com

A success story of a 15 year old teen who stutters

Tonight I received a wonderful message from a mom of a 15 year old who stutters. Her son has been working hard at his fluency both in therapy and outside of the therapy room. He is a bright boy who communicates well whether he stutters or not. Of course, like all of us, he would prefer not to. He doesn't let stuttering stand in his way. Today he decided to join the radio station which means he will speak on the air. His mother was so proud of him and so was I!!! To all the teens out there, remember how important your message is. Keep working hard at your speech goals! It is paying off! Have a good night!!

Groups now forming for school aged and teens

Groups are now forming for school aged kids and teens who stutter. Please contact me ASAP. Also, this is a long shot, but it is worth mentioning for school aged children. Sometimes, but rarely, if a school SLP recommends a fluency specialist, you can request outside services through the CSE. I know this happens in Queens as I am a direct provider for Queens as well. I would be happy to servie your child. I am conveniently located off the LIE. Please contact Lori@allislandspeech.com or www.allislandspeech.com. My number is 516-776-0184.

Fluency workshop Feb 8 2009 for Adults who stutter and older teens

Hi All-
I want to wish everyone a late happy New Year!! Please keep Feb. 8 2009 in mind if you are an adult who stutters. ($50) 2 to 5 in Plainview. An introduction to Fluency Shaping and a mini refresher for adults who stutter and older teens. It will be great to learn basics of fluency shaping and meet others who stutter. I am now offering group therapy for school aged children and teens. I find not only is it cost effective, but increases chances for practice and socialization. Intensives continue to be offered for adults also in groups when feasible. Parents of children ages 3 to 5, remember to have your child evaluated through the schools to possibly have the cost of therapy covered for fluency, prompt, articulation and language.

I know many people are feeling the stress of the economy which can also affect fluency and communication. I find it helpful to take full, comfortable breaths and pause often. Also, try and practice with others who stutter. I talked to a fellow NSA member tonight and it really helped my fluency-thanks Steven! Have a good night and please e-mail me at 516-776-0184 if you are interested in the workshop. Stay warm my friends.