The Impact of a Stuttering Disorder on Western Australian Children and Adolescents

Abstract

In this study, we examined the impact of a stuttering disorder on children (n=50) and adolescents (n=45) living in Western Australia. We compared the reactions and experiences of children and adolescents who stutter to children and adolescents who do not stutter. We compared the participants who stuttered and the fluent participants using adapted versions of the Overall Assessment of the Speaker’s Experience of Stuttering (OASES). We also examined the relationship between biopsychosocial impact and stuttered speech frequency. We saw higher levels of adverse impact in young people who stuttered compared to their fluent peers. In addition, we found moderate correlations between OASES scores and stuttered speech frequency in children. These findings provided a baseline for establishing the degree of negative impact that a stuttering disorder may bring about in children and adolescents. The experiences of young people who stuttered were significantly different from the experiences of young people who were typically fluent. These findings reinforce the notion that stuttering is a disorder that can lead to negative impact for young people.

A speech and psychological profile of treatment-seeking adolescents who stutter

“…Research to date has shown that stuttering during adolescence has the potential to negatively impact communication attitudes, life satisfaction, quality of life, self-esteem, and psychosocial functioning (Beilby et al, 2012;Blood & Blood, 2004;Blood et al, 2011;Erickson & Block, 2013;Van Borsel et al, 2011). Although research evidence to date remains inconclusive, several studies have shown that adolescents who stutter may report heightened anxiety, negative attitudes to communication, negative peer experiences, and low self-esteem (Blood et al, 2001;Blood et al, 2004Blood et al, , 2011Mulcahy et al, 2008;Smith et al, 2014).…”

Stuttering in School-Age Children: A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment

“…In this view, treatment plans should include multiple goals that can be selected for each individual's unique needs. Moreover, the level of fluency (or stuttering) a person exhibits may be only moderately related-or even unrelatedto the adverse impact he or she experiences (e.g., Beilby, Byrnes, & Yaruss, 2012;Blumgart, Tran, Yaruss, & Craig, 2012;Koedoot, Versteegh, & Yaruss, 2011). Thus, a more comprehensive approach to treatment might address increased fluency as well as other goals.…”

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for adults who stutter: Psychosocial adjustment and speech fluency

“…The ability of an individual who stutters to communicate effectively in a variety of every day speaking situations is not necessarily determined by the amount of stuttering they experience (Beilby, Byrnes & Yaruss, 2012;Blumgart, Tran, Yaruss & Craig, 2012;Koedoot, Versteegh, Yaruss, 2011;Mulcahy, Hennessey, Beilby, & Byrnes, 2008). It is affected by how completely the person is able to convey their spoken message in each situation.…”