Stuttering

Core Behaviors of Stuttering

Repetitions of sounds, syllables, or whole-words. Prolongations of single sounds. Blocks of airflow/voicing during speech.

Normal Disfluencies

Hesitations, interjections of sounds, syllables, or words, revisions/repetitions of words, phrases, or sentences, normal rhythm and stress patterns, no tension or tremors noted.

Atypical Disfluencies

Three+ within-word disfluencies per 100 words. Disfluencies on more than 10% of syllables spoken. Predominant use of prolongations, blocks, and part-word repetitions.

Vowel Neutralization

Vowel neutralization during repetitions.

Duration of Disfluency

Duration of single instance of disfluency that exceeds 2 seconds.

Uncontrolled Changes

Uncontrolled or abrupt changes in pitch/loudness.

Theories of Stuttering

Genetic, Learned Behavior, Environmental, Linguistic, Interactive/Multifactorial.

Prevalence Under Age 6

Prevalence under age 6 years is considerably higher than in later periods.

Characteristics of Stuttering

For individuals who continue to stutter, the characteristics of the disorder may gradually change over time.

Gradual Recovery Process

Some suggest that spontaneous recovery is a gradual process that may not reach completion until 3 or 4 years post-onset.

Part-word repetition

A type of disfluency where a part of a word is repeated.

Single-syllable word repetition

A type of disfluency where a single syllable word is repeated.

Fluency Shaping

An approach aimed at markedly reducing or eliminating stuttering behaviors and increasing fluent speech.

Easy onset

Prerequisite: No stuttering occurring, no anticipation (typically vowels sounds) and smoothly without tension start word with low volume, finish word "normally"

Decreased speaking rate

A fluency shaping technique that involves prolonging speech to enhance fluency.

Light articulatory contacts

Identify place(s) of articulation, Reduce pressure (or tensing) for first consonant(s) Produce word

Continuous phonation

A fluency shaping technique that promotes sustained vocalization during speech.

Delayed auditory feedback (DAF)

A technique that involves delaying the auditory feedback of speech to improve fluency.

Assistive devices

Tools used to aid in speech fluency, such as electronic devices that modify auditory feedback.

Frequency-altered feedback (FAF)

A technique that alters the frequency of auditory feedback to assist in fluency.

Stuttering Modification/Management

An intervention goal aimed at helping individuals stutter more easily and eliminate struggle and avoidance behaviors.

Self-analysis

A technique to increase client's awareness of the type, severity, and loci of disfluencies and accompanying secondary behaviors.

Relaxation

A technique aimed at reducing client's anxiety and muscle tension.

Desensitization

A process to reduce negative emotions associated with stuttering.

Cancellations

Used post block

Stop after overtly stuttered word

Pause (longer initially) and reflect

Repeat word in "easier" manner (e.g., easy onset)

Pull-outs

During block

Overtly stutter on word and "catch" it

Locate tension

Release tension, let word "flow" out

Forward moving speech

To move through stuttering events in an easier way

To increase objectivity of the stuttering

experience

To increase agency re: how you approach stuttering