FluencyCoach

Stuttering Therapy Options in the 21st Century

Today, thanks to much research about stuttering, there are many definitions and hypotheses about stuttering causes, but the question is "What do I do about my stuttering?" Listed below are some of the ways many people who stutter have chosen to deal with their stuttering. Effectiveness of stuttering therapies vary depending upon a number of factors.

For simplification, stuttering therapy options available are categorized below as the most generally accepted stuttering treatments.

Stuttering Therapy Option One: Individual Treatment from a Speech-Language Pathologist

There are several stuttering treatment methods that most certified Speech-Language Pathologists are able to provide on an individual basis. Depending on the Speech-Language Pathologist and their particular training in fluency disorders, a person who stutters may receive positive results from such individual stuttering treatment methods as:

• Fluency Shaping
• Behavior Modification
• Stuttering Modification
• Anxiety Control
• Self-Help Programs
• Hypnotherapy

Speech-Language Pathologist training and course requirements in the treatment of fluency disorders and, in particular, stuttering varies. More information about Speech-Language Pathologists who specialize in stuttering therapy can be found at www.asha.org.

Stuttering Therapy Option Two: Intensive Stuttering Treatment Program

Throughout the United States, there are several specialized stuttering programs. These intensive speech programs set up certain dates throughout the year whereby they schedule a group of people who stutter to attend group and individual sessions to improve their fluency. Most of these intensive stuttering clinics last from 3 to 12 days in succession and require varying amounts of time each day from the participating attendees. Costs vary depending on the length, location, and content of the intensive stuttering program.

These clinics use one or some of the fluency techniques employed in individual treatment. The programs are normally administered by one or more Speech-Language Pathologists. On-going follow up is available for variable lengths of time through most of these programs.

Stuttering Therapy Option Three: Assistive Fluency Devices

As technology has advanced, so have the options available through the use of electronic devices in the treatment of stuttering. Most of them use delayed auditory feedback and a pitch change to help simulate the choral speech effect, an effective stuttering treatment method used for years. The type of fluency device used depends upon several factors:

• The level of fluency improvement a particular device has for the individual
• The degree of discreetness or size of the device the user needs
• The amount of device control the user wants
• When and where the user wishes to wear or carry the device
• The degree of Speech Pathologist assistance and consultation a user may or may not desire
• Cost of the fluency device
• Comfort

Brands of fluency devices include such names as SpeechEasy, mySpeech, Small Talk, Fluency Master and Voice Amp. SpeechEasy devices fit in the ear and look like hearing aids. They require professional assessment and programming by trained Speech-Language Pathologists. mySpeech is a small digital self programmed device that has Bluetooth capability and can be purchased online. Small Talk and Voice Amp can also be purchased online and use similar technology as SpeechEasy and mySpeech. FluencyMaster uses a masking type sound that it's maker claims helps increase fluency.

Stuttering Therapy Option Four: Medical Choices

Although there is no drug specifically made or FDA approved for the treatment of stuttering there has been quite a bit of research to try to find or develop an effective option. One of the largest clinical studies conducted on people who stutter was performed and discontinued by the company last year.

Research continues in the field of a pharmaceutical treatment for stuttering. The balance between effectiveness and the side effects of any drug should always be considered.

Stuttering Therapy Option Five: Fluency Device in Conjunction With Therapy

Sometimes the combination of treatments may be the best approach to improved fluency. Therapy alone may be effective for some individuals who stutter, but an effective fluency device could make the therapy itself produce better results. Since some fluency devices give an immediate fluency improvement in most people who stutter, this passive assistance could help the active assistance which therapy provides. This could translate into real world fluency improvement.

Some Speech-Language Pathologists recognize the value of fluency devices and use them in their therapy sessions. Regardless, SpeechEasy and mySpeech devices are shipped with workbooks to assist a Speech-Language Pathologist and the client in the suggested use of the device with helpful therapy exercises and realistic goal setting. This team approach helps a person who stutters reach their own fluency goals by getting professional feedback along with the fluency-enhancing effects of an effective anti-stuttering device.

Professional medical advice is always recommended before beginning any treatment option.

FluencyCoach - Overview

FluencyCoach is a free software application that uses Altered Auditory Feedback technology to simulate the effects of “Choral Speech” (speaking simultaneously with another person). It has been known for years that choral speech can promote fluency in a person who stutters, and in some people who suffer from Parkinson's Disease.