Stuttering therapy

Stuttering therapy is any of the various treatment methods that attempt to reduce stuttering to some degree in an individual.^[1] Stuttering can be seen as a challenge to treat because there is a lack of consensus about therapy.^[2]

Before beginning therapy treatment, an assessment is needed, as diagnosing stuttering requires the skills of a certified speech–language pathologist (SLP).^[3] Some of the available treatments focus on learning strategies to minimize stuttering through speed reduction, breathing regulation, and gradual progression from single-syllable responses to longer words, and eventually more complex sentences. Furthermore, some stuttering therapies help to address the anxiety that is often caused by stuttering, and consequently worsens stuttering symptoms.^[4] This method of treatment is referred to as a comprehensive approach, in which the main emphasis of treatment is directed toward improving the speaker's attitudes toward communication and minimizing the negative impact stuttering can have on the speaker's life.^[5] Treatment from a qualified S-LP can benefit stutterers of any age.^[6]

In addition, people may learn to start saying words in a slightly slower and less physically tense manner. They may also learn to control or monitor their breathing. When learning to control speech rate, people often begin by practising smooth, fluent speech at rates that are much slower than typical speech, using short phrases and sentences. Over time, people learn to produce smooth speech at faster rates, in longer sentences, and in more challenging situations until speech sounds both fluent and natural. When treating stuttering in children, some researchers recommend that an evaluation be conducted every three months in order to determine whether or not the selected treatment option is working effectively. "Follow-up" or "maintenance" sessions are often necessary after completion of formal intervention to prevent relapse.^[7]