What are some of your most successful strategies to eliminate stuttering?

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Alyssa Banotai
Associate Editor/Web Editor
ADVANCE for Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists

For close to two years, I have been evaluating and fitting people who stutter with the SpeechEasy anti-stuttering device.  It provides passive inhibition of stuttering by imitating(almost) choral speaking.  The patient wears the device in one ear.  Whenever he talks, he hears an echo of his voice at a slightly higher pitch.  So it sounds like another person is talking along with him.  The choral effect is a very powerful inhibitor of stuttering.

The majority of my clients are adolescents and adults who have been unable to maintain fluency over time using fluency shaping techniques.  With the SpeechEasy, fluency is increased significantly.  Some folks take a refresher course of Tx to improve their speech even further. I insist on it for children, adolescents, and those who never had therapy.

The device does not eliminate stuttering.  It enhances fluency.

I think it is an important development in the treatment of stuttering, when responsibly dispensed.

 

 

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Leslie Bryant, MS,CCC-SLP Commonwealth Speech Center 200 East Reynolds Rd. Ste 16 Lexington, KY 40517 leslieb@cwspeech.net

I also need ideas.  I work with a very bright 3rd grader who is a moderate stutterer.  He was completely unaware of his speech problem until he was referred and assessed, and has no secondary signs or fear of speaking.  Now he knows he stutters, but is still oblivious to disfluencies in his speech.  I tried teaching him to identify dysfluencies.  He can identify instances & types in my speech, but starts showing signs of anxiety immediately if we try the same activity with his speech.  The other kids in his class all notice his stuttering. How can I help him become more fluent without stressing him out?      

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jackiej

Leslie,  How do your clients fund the Speech Easy?

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jackiej

I have been a practicing speech-language therapist for 22 years and an a neurogenic stutterer. Because of declining health since 2003, my stuttering worsened, causing low self esteem, etc. I have been wearing the SPEECH EASY for a year now, and swear by it's success. The SPEECH EASY saved my career. Trying to get funding was another story. My HMO totally refused to pay for all or part of the cost, even though my neurologist said that it was essential since I have to contact him when I have a seizure, and can't get a fluent word out.

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Beth, M.A., CCC-SLP

You may be able to take it off on your taxes as something you need for your job. Because you have a disability-this device enables you to work more effectively. It also would not be subject to the 2% threshold. Talk to a tax person who really knows their stuff. I know you filed your taxes by now-but you could file an amended return.

Stuttering does not have to be a deterrent to success...

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