Stuttering

Abstract

Over the past 5 years, there has been quite a dramatic decline in the number of data-based investigations or reports on or concerning stuttering therapy for adults or adolescents. After reviewing all English language journal publications that fit this category, this writer found that in 1973-1977 there were 57 reports, in 1978-1982 there were 50 reports, but in 1983-1987 (and including half of 1988) there were only 25 reports. A. S. Bellack et al. (eds.), International Handbook of Behavior Modification and Therapy

Stuttered and fluent speech production: An ALE meta‐analysis of functional neuroimaging studies

“…This disorder provides a fascinating disease model of speech production not only because of its high prevalence in the population (approximately 1%) but because of its marked gender ratio (3:1 ratio of men:women), probable genetic basis, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli [Bloodstein, 1995]. There is a high rate of recovery in children, but stuttering that persists into adolescence or adulthood is much more resistant to recovery [Ingham, 2001a]. Although the core pathology underlying developmental stuttering remains poorly understood, much research has effectively excluded the peripheral vocal system as the cause of the disorder and has instead placed the focus on the central nervous system (CNS).…”

“…Finally, stuttering is distinct from other speechmotor disorders in being more or less specific for speech, in comparison to syndromes such as dysarthria that tend to be part of generalized syndromes affecting motor control throughout much of the body [Kent, 2000]. The cause of chronic developmental stuttering remains unknown, resulting in a plethora of competing theories [Ingham, 2001a].…”

Auditory abilities of speakers who persisted, or recovered, from stuttering

“…Recovery is generally considered to be associated with a reduction in the frequency and severity of stuttering (e.g. Ingham, 1984; Starkweather, 1993; Yairi, 1993, 1996). To establish any such reduction, additional speech samples need to be obtained and analyzed using the standardized measurement instrument again (Riley, 1994) when the child passes age 12 by which time recovery will have taken place if it was going to happen at all (Andrews & Harris, 1964).…”

Contingency management and stuttering in children.

“…An analysis of the treatment results of several hundred child clients which have been published in the literature revealed that the three procedures above have been shown to reduce stuttering from an average 10% stuttering to less than an average 1% stuttering or percent syllables stuttered (%SS) with normal speaking rates of around 200 syllables per minute (SPM), both well within the range of normally fluent speech of those who do not stutter (Ryan, 2001, p. 42). Further, clear, replicable descriptions in manuals (e.g., Ingham, 1981), or books (e.g., Ryan, 2001d) of these procedures can be found in several places including the internet (e.g., the Lidcombe Program, www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/asrc/). Published efficiency data suggest an average of 10 to 20 hours of treatment.…”

“…The third of these programs is prolonged speech (PS) (“IIIwaaantoogooo”)” which is gradually speeded up until it sounds natural at normal rates of speaking (“I want to go.”) (e.g., Ingham, 1981, 1984; Kully & Boberg, 1991; Ryan, 1971, 1974, 2001d, pp. 93–111, Ryan & Ryan, 1983, 1995).…”