Stuttering treatment is available in the form of stuttering medication prescribed by a physician, self-help, a stuttering device, or by learning stuttering therapy techniques from a speech-language pathologist.
Most believe the best treatment for stuttering is formal therapy by an experienced speech-language pathologist specializing in speech therapy for stuttering. This type of stuttering treatment consists of formal classes scheduled privately or for small groups. Individuals interested in this type of treatment for stuttering should contact two or three speech-language pathologists to make sure they have a lot of experience working with children, adolescents, and/or adults teaching stuttering therapy techniques. Most importantly, find a therapist who uses the method you prefer. Nearly all speech-language pathologists who specialize in stuttering treatment use the Fluency Shaping approach, Stuttering Modification techniques, or a combination of the two types of treatment for stuttering.
Fluency Shaping is also known as the Speak More Fluently approach. These stuttering therapy techniques are designed to change the speech motor patterns for all aspects of talking, not just the sounds, words, or phrases causing stuttered speech. This stuttering treatment typically does not address attitudes, feelings, and self-confidence through counseling.
Stuttering Modification techniques are considered more of a counseling based approach since this type of treatment for stuttering focuses on behaviors, feelings, and attitudes. The five stages of therapy include motivation, identification, desensitization, variation, and approximation. The stuttering modification techniques are called cancellation, pull-out, and preparatory set. These stuttering therapy techniques focus on the individual moments of stuttering to make them smoother, shorter, and less obvious to the listener.
What stuttering treatment is the best?
At Stuttering Pros, we combine the best aspects of both Fluency Shaping and Stuttering Modification as a well-rounded approach to meet the needs of each individual. Since prescribed medication for stuttering, self-help, and using a stuttering device have not been proven as effective treatment for stuttering with publications from longitudinal studies. Stuttering Pros recommends private therapy for children, adolescents, and adults from a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering treatment.
To learn more about stuttering, read the stuttering in adults page.