Background: It is well documented that adults can control stuttering if they use certain novel speech patterns referred to generically as prolonged-speech (PS). These speech patterns were refined in the 1960s and developed into behavioural treatment programmes. The bulk of available PS treatment research has focused on speech parameters thought to…

This volume examines the ramifications of individual differences in therapy outcomes for a wide variety of communication disorders. In an era where evidence-based practice is the clinical profession's watchword, each chapter attacks this highly relevant issue from a somewhat different perspective. In some areas of communication disorders,…

The study investigated: (1) whether the mothers of young stuttering children differ from the mothers of young normally disfluent children in their verbal interaction patterns during free play with their children; and (2) whether disfluency in young children is related systematically to the type of speech act expressed. Four preschoolers and their…

The study explored the verbal and nonverbal conversational competency of five adult males who exhibited fluency disorders. Five subject/interactant videotaped conversational interactions were analyzed utilizing an INter-REActive Learning (INREAL) Model analysis format. Descriptive individual and composite profiles resulting from trained raters'…

The study examined inadequate behaviors of Japanese mothers with their stuttering children. Video tape recordings of playing situations of five stuttering children (ages 3-5) and their mothers and five non-stuttering children and their mothers were evaluated using two rating check lists. Results found differences in the behaviors of the two groups…

A model of the core of the stuttering block is presented, based on evidence that the disorder is essentially an inappropriate, vigorous contraction of the posterior cricoarytenoid in response to the subglottal air pressures required for speech. (Author)

The report summarizes a project investigating effects of biofeedback on nine secondary students with speech problems including stuttering, vocal nodules, articulation problems, and cerebral palsy. It is explained that a portable electromyograph was used to give the students immediate visual and/or auditory feedback. Results listed include that Ss…

THE STUDY WAS DESIGNED TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THERE ARE SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER LATENCY AND RESPONSE DURATIONS IN CHILDREN'S SPEECH AS A RESULT OF VERBAL PUNISHMENT COMPARED TO REWARD, AND WHETHER THE EFFECTS ARE GREATER IN YOUNGER OR OLDER CHILDREN AND IN BOYS OR GIRLS. SUBJECTS WERE 160 BOYS AND GIRLS FROM THIRD AND SIXTH GRADES. DURING A…

Presented are 18 case studies of successful and unsuccessful speech therapy with stutterers. Stressed is the importance of the therapeutic relationship for the success of any speech therapy technique. Each of nine therapists presents both a successful and an unsuccessful case study. Case studies usually include background information, a discussion…