Stuttering Stratergy

by Sam Malone

Stuttering refers to the repetition of certain words, syllables or sounds. Frequent interruptions of speech and prolongation of words can affect the way a person interacts with others as well as undermine his self-confidence. People who suffer from stuttering often turn to a specialist such as speech and language pathologist for treatment.

Any successful treatment for stuttering should be aimed at teaching the person the skills and techniques necessary to improve his or her communication skills. Most therapists or pathologists prefer a combination of different treatment methods such as:

Fluency Shaping Strategies for Stuttering: Fluency shaping therapy involves slowing down and controlling speech patterns. Over a number of sessions, the patient is taught how to monitor his speech and slow down the speed using shorter words and sentences. In order to improve the flow of conversation, he is also taught how to prolong certain vowels and consonants. As more time is spent on practice, the patient picks up the skills required to ensure smooth and uninterrupted speech along with continuous airflow. Gradually longer words and sentences are added on. This sort of therapy works best if regular follow-up sessions are ensured. This helps prevent any relapses and promises long-term success. Fluency shaping strategies also include breathing techniques and exercises. As the patient learns to control his breath, he is able to prolong certain words and sounds for longer. Articulation of syllables and phrases improve significantly with the controlled breathing. Additionally, deep-breathing exercises may help reduce stress and tension – factors that aggravate stuttering and worsen the symptoms.
Stuttering Modification Therapy: This is another form of therapy usually used in combination with fluency shaping therapy. Developed by Charles Van Riper in the late 20th century, today stuttering modification therapy has been vastly improvised upon. However the basic principles still follow Van Riper’s original strategy. Stuttering modification techniques helps it make it easier for the patient to speak. It is not aimed at eliminating the problem but rather providing the person with the techniques required to reduce the struggle that precedes speech. Stuttering modification therapy works on the principle that stuttering is aggravated by nervousness and fear. Using avoidance techniques will therefore help lessen the anxiety and help reduce stuttering. The four stages of this form of therapy include Identification, Desensitization, Modification, and Stabilization. During Identification or Stage 1, the therapist works with the patient to identify symptoms and investigate the possible mental or behavioral triggers. Stage 2 or Desensitization exposes the patient to difficult sounds and words in order to confront them. Situations that may aggravate the stuttering are also dealt with in this stage. The Modification stage or Stage 3 teaches the patient how to stutter easily. Pausing, pullouts and cancellations are all techniques used to ensure fluency of speech and continuous communication. Finally, during Stabilization or Stage 4, regular practice is necessary to ensure long-term success and changes to any speech pattern.
Electronic Devices: The use of electronic devices may or may not help a person with a stuttering problem. In some cases, the success rate is high whereas in others, there is no obvious change. Earpieces that block out the stutterer’s voice or audio feedback altered to provide a unison effect (where people seem to be talking together along with the speaker) could help the patient hear their own voice differently and stutter less.

Unfortunately, while stuttering therapy has many variations, there is no treatment method that offers a hundred percent success rate. In most cases, stuttering cannot be cured but only managed. Ultimately, the responsibility for change lies in the hand of the patient. Along with changes in speech patterns and flow, changes in behavior and thinking are an important part of any treatment for stuttering. Behavioral and attitude changes can take a long time to master and is a lot of hard work without which no long-term success can be guaranteed.

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