Reported was a 3 week fluency shaping program in which 56 stutterers (aged 8 to 59 years) were each assisted by a single speech therapist through the following program stages: very slow speech; vowels; consonant initiated syllables; one, two, and three syllable words; short, self generated sentences; spontaneous speech; and transfer. Ss also…

Examined the speech patterns of three- to eight-year-old children. Results showed that the children most often used "ah" phenomena and unfilled pauses as do adults. "Ah" phenomena showed a significant increase with age, especially between five and six among the females. (SRT)

This study examined changes in communication predispositions of 2 clinical populations--13 adult stutterers and 15 foreign dialect students--over 3.5 months of therapy. Results indicated that both groups reduced levels of communication apprehension and increased levels of communication competence. Each group also demonstrated improvements in…

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of phonological priming on the speech reaction time (SRT) of children who do (CWS) and who do not (CWNS) stutter during a picture-naming task. Participants were eighteen 3-5-year-old CWS (M = 50.67 months, SD= 11.83 months), matched in age and gender with 18 CWNS (M = 49.44 months, SD = 10.22…

Materials concerning dialects and language variation are presented here as background information for a workshop on English dialect differences in elementary and secondary schools. Articles and essays include: "Grammatical, Phonological and Language Use Differences across Cultures" (Walt Wolfram); "A Linguistic Description of Social Dialects"…

Several experiments that manipulate stuttering by the use of delayed auditory feedback (DAF) and the prolongation of speech are reported. In a study on six severe stutterers (aged 15 to 47), self monitoring as a source of reinforcement in the use of DAF reduced stuttering frequency. Stuttering frequency was investigated with six severe stutterers…

Adult stutterers (n=75) and nonstutterers (n=81) rated themselves on communication attitudes involving behavioral, affective, and cognitive components. The findings raise issues regarding stutterers' avoidances, attitude multidimensionality in the perceptions of speaking situations, differences in stutterers and nonstutterers' belief systems, and…

Recommendations for the alleviation of problems of the stutterer in foreign language learning include: involvement of the stutterer in the lesson; openness about the problem; good listening habits on the part of the teacher and the other students; and the use of techniques like choral speaking, dramatization, and singing. (SW)

A questionnaire given to 1,879 Bogota (Colombia) university students found a prevalence of 2% in self-reported stuttering. Results also indicated that the prevalence of minor brain injury or dysfunction, developmental dyslexia history, word-finding difficulties, and depressive symptoms were higher among the stutterers than the nonstutterers. (DB)

A behavioral-cognitive treatment program for adults who stutter was evaluated. Treatment combines computer-assisted biofeedback for reducing stuttering and a relapse management program for counseling and attitude change. Three adults in their early twenties reduced disfluencies to below three percent stuttered syllables and maintained these…

One of a series of semi-annual reports, this publication contains 25 articles which report the status and progress of studies on the nature of speech, instruments for its investigation, and practical applications. Articles are as follows: "Acoustic Shards, Perceptual Glue" (Robert E. Remez and Philip E. Rubin); "F0 Gives Voicing…

Definitions are provided for the overall category of "communicative disorder," and "hearing disorder." In addition, definitions are provided for the following narrower categories: "voice disorder,""articulation disorder,""fluency disorder,""deaf," and "hard of hearing." Journal…

A model of service delivery for elementary students who stutter is described, emphasizing the integration of fluency-shaping and stuttering modification techniques. The treatment program includes procedures for helping children to understand and identify fluency problems, techniques for teaching and integrating fluency-shaping and stuttering…

A study gathered perceptions from persons with communication disorders (CD) (n=78), 13 service providers, and 22 employers on barriers to work integration. Results show many barriers are common across types of CD, including noise, tasks requiring speed, having to speak to groups of persons, and attitudes of others. (Contains references.)…

A survey of research and experimentation in the field of stuttering is presented for those engaged in teaching or studying speech therapy, speech pathology, and psychology. The background to stuttering is discussed as are definition, diagnosis, and measurement. The perceptual, organic, perseverative, expectancy, diagnosogenic, and conflict…