Module 9: Fluency

Normal disfluencies: repeating, pausing, and prolonging of sounds that are typical in the speech of young children

Stuttering: Abnormally high frequency or duration of stoppages in the flow of speech

Audible overt behaviors: repetition of sounds, prolongations, blocks, interjections 

Visible overt behaviors: losing eye contact, tensing facial muscles, blinking eyes rapidly, clenching of the fist, tapping a foot 

Covert reactions: frustration, anxiety, anger, guilt 

Conditions that increases stuttering: 

• two most challenging words to say – their name, and “i” 

• having to wait to introduce them self builds up anxiety and pressure, 

• public speaking or to an authority figure

Fluency shaping: seek to reduce or eliminate stuttering through fundamental changes to respiration

Different techniques:  deliberate slow speaking, pausing, light articulatory contacts 

Stuttering modification: recognize and confront fears to escape the stuttering 

Different techniques: cancelation phase, pull out phase, preparatory sets 

Focus areas for Adult Treatment: find out their internal and external motivations 

Assessment: a speech sample and parent / child interview, asking questions like how do they see the problem vs how do others see it

Effects of stuttering through lifespan: struggle with communication with peers and with self esteem