Introduction to Communication Disorders

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Disfluency is an interruption in the natural flow of speech. Disfluencies can either be normal, such as those displayed by children in the language learning stage, or abnormal, as in stuttering. Aside from the norm, another factor that makes this topic difficult to understand is the cause of stuttering. It can be neurogenic, meaning that stuttering was the result of a stroke, brain injury, or degenerative disease occurring later in life. It can also be psychogenic, in which its cause is related to a mental illness, or developmental, meaning that the individual had a genetic predisposition to stutter. Due to its complex etiology, determining the proper treatment for stuttering is often complicated. Many researchers and speech-language pathologists have come up with different techniques; however, which is the most reliable?
Prior to beginning any form of stuttering treatment, the clinician must first work to reduce the client’s negative attitude, if present, towards their stuttering. Although many would not view this as effective treatment, negative emotions and environmental stressors can actually worsen disfluencies, causing the individual to anticipate and fear speaking. After reducing negative emotions, the client will be more apt to participate in therapy and increase the chances of effective and positive outcomes. One form of therapy influenced by positive emotions is Charles Van Riper’s stuttering modification techniques.
Stuttering modification techniques, including cancellations, pullouts, and preparatory sets, were developed “to modify speech timing”, as well as the negative reactions towards stuttering (Owens, Metz, Farinella, 2011). Cancellations involve a 3-4 second pause, followed by the correction ...

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... increase fluency. Regardless, no therapy techniques are 100% effective; however, with time, motivation, a positive outlook, willingness to participate from both the client and family, as well as support from the family, any form of therapy has potential to create positive outcomes.

Works Cited

Dahm, B. (2012, January 2). Why don't people stutter when they sing?. Retrieved December 7, 2013, from CTI: Stuttering Online Therapy Web Site: http://stutteringonlinetherapy.com /2012/01/why-don%E2%80%99t-people-stutter-when-they-sing/

Guitar, B. (2006). Stuttering: An integrated approach to its nature and treatment. (3rd ed., pp. 324). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Owens, R.E. Metz, D.E., & Farinella, K.A. (2011). Introduction to communication disorders: A lifespan evidence-based perspective. p 250-255. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

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