Using comparative speech tasks and EMG recordings to assess the potential of EMG biofeedback-assisted relaxation to reduce stuttering, a preschool child was able to reduce larynegeal tension but not without some difficulty. The small effect of the training was in the direction of less stuttering. (Author/CM)

This article, directed to the classroom teacher, provides background information on stuttering and suggests ways that the teacher can alleviate the stuttering child's anxiety and restore his confidence in his ability to communicate effectively. (Author/SJL)

This paper introduces a special issue focusing on the treatment of preschool and school-age children who stutter and discussing current intervention strategies and procedures. Summaries of the issue's articles are presented, generally contending that fluency disorders can be effectively managed using age-appropriate, individualized techniques and…

The influence of visual signals (echo and reverberation) on speech fluency in 60 stutterers and nonstutterers was examined. Visual signals were found to exert a corrective influence on the speech of stutterers but less than the influence of acoustic stimuli. Use of visual signals in combination with acoustic and tactile signals is recommended. (DB)

In recent years, most disagreement about stuttering therapy has boiled down to a preference for one of two major approaches. Some clinicians have preferred to help stutterers learn not to avoid stuttering, but to approach it and to learn to stutter in simpler and easier ways; this approach is known as stuttering modification therapy. Proponents of…

Intended for teachers of children with speech difficulties, the booklet provides background information and suggestions for dealing with speech impaired students. Covered are the following topics: descriptions of speech problems, developmental sequences of language, delayed speech, articulation, stuttering, and hearing disorders. Classroom…

This paper presents results of a controlled trial of 3 child stuttering treatment strategies in 97 subjects. All 3 treatments (electromyography feedback, intensive smooth speech, and home-based smooth speech) were very successful in the long term for 70% of the group, with electromyography and home-based treatment appearing to be especially…

This article evaluates the extent to which syntactic, lexical, and conversational factors can significantly predict the frequency and loci of stuttered moments in children's speech. A synthesis of the experimental and clinical evidence suggests ways in which the assessment and remediation of fluency disorders in children can be tailored to…

Nineteen adults who stutter participated in a 3-week intensive stuttering modification treatment program (the Successful Stuttering Management Program [SSMP]). A series of 14 fluency and affective-based measures were assessed before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 6 months after treatment. Measures included stuttering frequency; the…

This Spanish language booklet is written for parents who are concerned about the speech of their young child. The goal of the booklet is to enable parents to begin working with their child, and a speech clinician if necessary, with a better understanding of the problem. The booklet discusses common parental questions such as: (1) Does my child…

This booklet is written for French speaking parents who have young children than may stutter. The goal of the booklet is to enable parents to begin working with their child, and a speech clinician if necessary, with a better understanding of the problem. The booklet is designed to answer to common parental questions such as: (1) Does my child…

Intended for parents of children with speech problems, the booklet describes specific types of speech disorders and provides suggestions for stimulating improved speech. The following types of speech disorders are addressed: delayed speech, articulation, stuttering, and hearing disorders. The developmental sequence of language is discussed, and a…

TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SMALL PORTABLE INSTRUMENT COULD BE USED WITH SPEECH THERAPY TO REDUCE STAMMERING SEVERITY, AN ELECTRONIC SOUNDMAKING DEVICE WAS DEVELOPED. INDIVIDUALLY FITTED WITH MOLDED EARPLUGS, THE DEVICE WAS SIMILAR TO A HEARING AID BUT PRODUCED A CONSTANT TONE OF SUFFICIENT VOLUME TO INTERRUPT AUDITORY FEEDBACK DURING SPEECH AND…