THE 2002 OFFICIAL PATIENT’S SOURCEBOOK
on
TUTTERING
J AMES N. P ARKER , M.D. AND P HILIP M. P ARKER , P H .D., E DITORS
ii
ICON Health Publications ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, 4th Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Copyright Ó2002 by ICON Group International, Inc. Copyright Ó2002 by ICON Group International, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Last digit indicates print number: 10 9 8 7 6 4 5 3 2 1
Publisher, Health Care: Tiffany LaRochelle Editor(s): James Parker, M.D., Philip Parker, Ph.D. Publisher’s note: The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a substitute for consultation with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. As new medical or scientific information becomes available from academic and clinical research, recommended treatments and drug therapies may undergo changes. The authors, editors, and publisher have attempted to make the information in this book up to date and accurate in accord with accepted standards at the time of publication. The authors, editors, and publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions or for consequences from application of the book, and make no warranty, expressed or implied, in regard to the contents of this book. Any practice described in this book should be applied by the reader in accordance with professional standards of care used in regard to the unique circumstances that may apply in each situation, in close consultation with a qualified physician. The reader is advised to always check product information (package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dose and contraindications before taking any drug or pharmacological product. Caution is especially urged when using new or infrequently ordered drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements, alternative therapies, complementary therapies and medicines, and integrative medical treatments. Cataloging-in-Publication Data Parker, James N., 1961Parker, Philip M., 1960The 2002 Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Stuttering: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age/James N. Parker and Philip M. Parker, editors p. cm. Includes bibliographical references, glossary and index. ISBN: 0-597-83185-8 1. Stuttering-Popular works. I. Title.
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Disclaimer This publication is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consultation with licensed medical professionals. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher, editors, and authors are not engaging in the rendering of medical, psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. References to any entity, product, service, or source of information that may be contained in this publication should not be considered an endorsement, either direct or implied, by the publisher, editors or authors. ICON Group International, Inc., the editors, or the authors are not responsible for the content of any Web pages nor publications referenced in this publication.
Copyright Notice If a physician wishes to copy limited passages from this sourcebook for patient use, this right is automatically granted without written permission from ICON Group International, Inc. (ICON Group). However, all of ICON Group publications are copyrighted. With exception to the above, copying our publications in whole or in part, for whatever reason, is a violation of copyright laws and can lead to penalties and fines. Should you want to copy tables, graphs or other materials, please contact us to request permission (e-mail:
[email protected]). ICON Group often grants permission for very limited reproduction of our publications for internal use, press releases, and academic research. Such reproduction requires confirmed permission from ICON Group International Inc. The disclaimer above must accompany all reproductions, in whole or in part, of this sourcebook.
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Dedication To the healthcare professionals dedicating their time and efforts to the study of stuttering.
Acknowledgements The collective knowledge generated from academic and applied research summarized in various references has been critical in the creation of this sourcebook which is best viewed as a comprehensive compilation and collection of information prepared by various official agencies which directly or indirectly are dedicated to stuttering. All of the Official Patient’s Sourcebooks draw from various agencies and institutions associated with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and in particular, the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (OS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Administration on Aging (AOA), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Healthcare Financing Administration (HCFA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the institutions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Program Support Center (PSC), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to these sources, information gathered from the National Library of Medicine, the United States Patent Office, the European Union, and their related organizations has been invaluable in the creation of this sourcebook. Some of the work represented was financially supported by the Research and Development Committee at INSEAD. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Finally, special thanks are owed to Tiffany LaRochelle for her excellent editorial support.
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About the Editors James N. Parker, M.D. Dr. James N. Parker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Riverside and his M.D. from the University of California, San Diego. In addition to authoring numerous research publications, he has lectured at various academic institutions. Dr. Parker is the medical editor for the Official Patient’s Sourcebook series published by ICON Health Publications.
Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. Philip M. Parker is the Eli Lilly Chair Professor of Innovation, Business and Society at INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France and Singapore). Dr. Parker has also been Professor at the University of California, San Diego and has taught courses at Harvard University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and UCLA. Dr. Parker is the associate editor for the Official Patient’s Sourcebook series published by ICON Health Publications.
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About ICON Health Publications In addition to stuttering, Official Patient’s Sourcebooks are available for the following related topics: ·
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Aphasia
·
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Dysphagia
·
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Laryngeal Papillomatosis
·
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Smell and Taste Disorders
·
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Spasmodic Dysphonia
·
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Velocardiofacial Syndrome
·
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Vocal Abuse and Misuse
·
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Vocal Cord Paralysis
To discover more about ICON Health Publications, simply check with your preferred online booksellers, including Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon.com which currently carry all of our titles. Or, feel free to contact us directly for bulk purchases or institutional discounts: ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Fourth Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Fax: 858-546-4341 Web site: www.icongrouponline.com/health
Contents vii
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION...................................................................................... 1
Overview............................................................................................................... 1 Organization......................................................................................................... 3 Scope ..................................................................................................................... 3 Moving Forward................................................................................................... 4
PART I: THE ESSENTIALS ................................................. 7 CHAPTER 1. THE ESSENTIALS ON STUTTERING: GUIDELINES .............. 9
Overview............................................................................................................... 9 What Is Stuttering?............................................................................................ 10 How Is Speech Normally Produced? .................................................................. 11 Who Stutters?..................................................................................................... 12 What Causes Stuttering? ................................................................................... 12 How Is Stuttering Diagnosed?........................................................................... 13 How Is Stuttering Treated?................................................................................ 13 What Research Is Being Done about Stuttering? .............................................. 15 Where Can I Get Additional Information?......................................................... 15 More Guideline Sources ..................................................................................... 16 Vocabulary Builder............................................................................................. 22
CHAPTER 2. SEEKING GUIDANCE ....................................................... 25
Overview............................................................................................................. 25 Associations and Stuttering ............................................................................... 25 Finding More Associations................................................................................. 32 Finding Doctors.................................................................................................. 34 Finding a Speech-Language Pathologist ............................................................ 35 Selecting Your Doctor ........................................................................................ 35 Working with Your Doctor ................................................................................ 36 Broader Health-Related Resources ..................................................................... 37 Vocabulary Builder............................................................................................. 37
CHAPTER 3. CLINICAL TRIALS AND STUTTERING .............................. 39
Overview............................................................................................................. 39 Recent Trials on Stuttering ................................................................................ 42 Benefits and Risks............................................................................................... 51 Keeping Current on Clinical Trials.................................................................... 54 General References.............................................................................................. 55 Vocabulary Builder............................................................................................. 56
PART II: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND ADVANCED MATERIAL.................................................. 59 CHAPTER 4. STUDIES ON STUTTERING ................................................ 61
Overview............................................................................................................. 61
viii Contents
The Combined Health Information Database ..................................................... 61 Federally-Funded Research on Stuttering.......................................................... 69 The National Library of Medicine: PubMed ...................................................... 83 Vocabulary Builder............................................................................................. 85
CHAPTER 5. PATENTS ON STUTTERING............................................... 89
Overview............................................................................................................. 89 Patents on Stuttering ......................................................................................... 90 Patent Applications on Stuttering ..................................................................... 95 Keeping Current ................................................................................................. 95 Vocabulary Builder............................................................................................. 96
CHAPTER 6. BOOKS ON STUTTERING .................................................. 97
Overview............................................................................................................. 97 Book Summaries: Federal Agencies .................................................................... 97 Book Summaries: Online Booksellers ............................................................... 106 The National Library of Medicine Book Index ................................................. 110 Chapters on Stuttering ..................................................................................... 114 Directories......................................................................................................... 117 General Home References ................................................................................. 119 Vocabulary Builder........................................................................................... 120
CHAPTER 7. MULTIMEDIA ON STUTTERING ..................................... 121
Overview........................................................................................................... 121 Video Recordings .............................................................................................. 121 Audio Recordings ............................................................................................. 125 Bibliography: Multimedia on Stuttering.......................................................... 126
CHAPTER 8. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON STUTTERING .................. 129
Overview........................................................................................................... 129 News Services & Press Releases ....................................................................... 129 Newsletters on Stuttering ................................................................................ 132 Newsletter Articles ........................................................................................... 133 Academic Periodicals covering Stuttering ....................................................... 135
CHAPTER 9. PHYSICIAN GUIDELINES AND DATABASES ................... 137
Overview........................................................................................................... 137 NIH Guidelines................................................................................................. 137 NIH Databases.................................................................................................. 138 Other Commercial Databases ........................................................................... 150 The Genome Project and Stuttering ................................................................. 151 Specialized References....................................................................................... 155 Vocabulary Builder........................................................................................... 156
CHAPTER 10. DISSERTATIONS ON STUTTERING ................................ 157
Overview........................................................................................................... 157 Dissertations on Stuttering .............................................................................. 157 Keeping Current ............................................................................................... 159
PART III. APPENDICES .................................................. 161
Contents
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APPENDIX A. RESEARCHING YOUR MEDICATIONS.......................... 163
Overview........................................................................................................... 163 Your Medications: The Basics .......................................................................... 164 Learning More about Your Medications .......................................................... 165 Commercial Databases...................................................................................... 166 Contraindications and Interactions (Hidden Dangers) ................................... 167 A Final Warning .............................................................................................. 168 General References............................................................................................ 169
APPENDIX B. RESEARCHING ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ................... 171
Overview........................................................................................................... 171 What Is CAM? ................................................................................................. 171 What Are the Domains of Alternative Medicine?............................................ 172 Can Alternatives Affect My Treatment? ......................................................... 175 Finding CAM References on Stuttering .......................................................... 176 Additional Web Resources................................................................................ 185 General References............................................................................................ 186
APPENDIX C. RESEARCHING NUTRITION ......................................... 189
Overview........................................................................................................... 189 Food and Nutrition: General Principles........................................................... 190 Finding Studies on Stuttering.......................................................................... 194 Federal Resources on Nutrition........................................................................ 196 Additional Web Resources................................................................................ 196 Vocabulary Builder........................................................................................... 197
APPENDIX D. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES.................................... 199
Overview........................................................................................................... 199 Preparation ....................................................................................................... 199 Finding a Local Medical Library ...................................................................... 200 Medical Libraries Open to the Public............................................................... 200
APPENDIX E. YOUR RIGHTS AND INSURANCE ................................. 207
Overview........................................................................................................... 207 Your Rights as a Patient................................................................................... 207 Patient Responsibilities .................................................................................... 211 Choosing an Insurance Plan............................................................................. 212 Medicare and Medicaid .................................................................................... 214 NORD’s Medication Assistance Programs ..................................................... 217 Additional Resources ........................................................................................ 218
ONLINE GLOSSARIES.................................................... 219 Online Dictionary Directories.......................................................................... 221
STUTTERING GLOSSARY............................................. 223 General Dictionaries and Glossaries ................................................................ 231
INDEX................................................................................... 233
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Contents
Introduction
1
INTRODUCTION Overview Dr. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon General, once said, “The best prescription is knowledge.”1 The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) echoes this view and recommends that every patient incorporate education into the treatment process. According to the AHRQ: Finding out more about your condition is a good place to start. By contacting groups that support your condition, visiting your local library, and searching on the Internet, you can find good information to help guide your treatment decisions. Some information may be hard to find—especially if you don’t know where to look.2 As the AHRQ mentions, finding the right information is not an obvious task. Though many physicians and public officials had thought that the emergence of the Internet would do much to assist patients in obtaining reliable information, in March 2001 the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading.3
Quotation from http://www.drkoop.com. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): http://www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/diaginfo.htm. 3 From the NIH, National Cancer Institute (NCI): http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov/beyond/evaluating.html. 1 2
2
Stuttering
Since the late 1990s, physicians have seen a general increase in patient Internet usage rates. Patients frequently enter their doctor’s offices with printed Web pages of home remedies in the guise of latest medical research. This scenario is so common that doctors often spend more time dispelling misleading information than guiding patients through sound therapies. The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Stuttering has been created for patients who have decided to make education and research an integral part of the treatment process. The pages that follow will tell you where and how to look for information covering virtually all topics related to stuttering, from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. The title of this book includes the word “official.” This reflects the fact that the sourcebook draws from public, academic, government, and peerreviewed research. Selected readings from various agencies are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on stuttering. Given patients’ increasing sophistication in using the Internet, abundant references to reliable Internet-based resources are provided throughout this sourcebook. Where possible, guidance is provided on how to obtain free-ofcharge, primary research results as well as more detailed information via the Internet. E-book and electronic versions of this sourcebook are fully interactive with each of the Internet sites mentioned (clicking on a hyperlink automatically opens your browser to the site indicated). Hard copy users of this sourcebook can type cited Web addresses directly into their browsers to obtain access to the corresponding sites. Since we are working with ICON Health Publications, hard copy Sourcebooks are frequently updated and printed on demand to ensure that the information provided is current. In addition to extensive references accessible via the Internet, every chapter presents a “Vocabulary Builder.” Many health guides offer glossaries of technical or uncommon terms in an appendix. In editing this sourcebook, we have decided to place a smaller glossary within each chapter that covers terms used in that chapter. Given the technical nature of some chapters, you may need to revisit many sections. Building one’s vocabulary of medical terms in such a gradual manner has been shown to improve the learning process. We must emphasize that no sourcebook on stuttering should affirm that a specific diagnostic procedure or treatment discussed in a research study, patent, or doctoral dissertation is “correct” or your best option. This sourcebook is no exception. Each patient is unique. Deciding on appropriate
Introduction
3
options is always up to the patient in consultation with their physician and healthcare providers.
Organization This sourcebook is organized into three parts. Part I explores basic techniques to researching stuttering (e.g. finding guidelines on diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis), followed by a number of topics, including information on how to get in touch with organizations, associations, or other patient networks dedicated to stuttering. It also gives you sources of information that can help you find a doctor in your local area specializing in treating stuttering. Collectively, the material presented in Part I is a complete primer on basic research topics for patients with stuttering. Part II moves on to advanced research dedicated to stuttering. Part II is intended for those willing to invest many hours of hard work and study. It is here that we direct you to the latest scientific and applied research on stuttering. When possible, contact names, links via the Internet, and summaries are provided. It is in Part II where the vocabulary process becomes important as authors publishing advanced research frequently use highly specialized language. In general, every attempt is made to recommend “free-to-use” options. Part III provides appendices of useful background reading for all patients with stuttering or related disorders. The appendices are dedicated to more pragmatic issues faced by many patients with stuttering. Accessing materials via medical libraries may be the only option for some readers, so a guide is provided for finding local medical libraries which are open to the public. Part III, therefore, focuses on advice that goes beyond the biological and scientific issues facing patients with stuttering.
Scope While this sourcebook covers stuttering, your doctor, research publications, and specialists may refer to your condition using a variety of terms. Therefore, you should understand that stuttering is often considered a synonym or a condition closely related to the following: ·
Disfluent Speech
·
Stammering
4
Stuttering
In addition to synonyms and related conditions, physicians may refer to stuttering using certain coding systems. The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) is the most commonly used system of classification for the world’s illnesses. Your physician may use this coding system as an administrative or tracking tool. The following classification is commonly used for stuttering:4 ·
307.0 stammering and stuttering
For the purposes of this sourcebook, we have attempted to be as inclusive as possible, looking for official information for all of the synonyms relevant to stuttering. You may find it useful to refer to synonyms when accessing databases or interacting with healthcare professionals and medical librarians.
Moving Forward Since the 1980s, the world has seen a proliferation of healthcare guides covering most illnesses. Some are written by patients or their family members. These generally take a layperson’s approach to understanding and coping with an illness or disorder. They can be uplifting, encouraging, and highly supportive. Other guides are authored by physicians or other healthcare providers who have a more clinical outlook. Each of these two styles of guide has its purpose and can be quite useful. As editors, we have chosen a third route. We have chosen to expose you to as many sources of official and peer-reviewed information as practical, for the purpose of educating you about basic and advanced knowledge as recognized by medical science today. You can think of this sourcebook as your personal Internet age reference librarian. Why “Internet age”? All too often, patients diagnosed with stuttering will log on to the Internet, type words into a search engine, and receive several Web site listings which are mostly irrelevant or redundant. These patients are left to wonder where the relevant information is, and how to obtain it. Since only the smallest fraction of information dealing with stuttering is even indexed in search engines, a non-systematic approach often leads to frustration and disappointment. With this sourcebook, we hope to direct you 4 This list is based on the official version of the World Health Organization’s 9th Revision, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). According to the National Technical Information Service, “ICD-9CM extensions, interpretations, modifications, addenda, or errata other than those approved by the U.S. Public Health Service and the Health Care Financing Administration are not to be considered official and should not be utilized. Continuous maintenance of the ICD-9-CM is the responsibility of the federal government.”
Introduction
5
to the information you need that you would not likely find using popular Web directories. Beyond Web listings, in many cases we will reproduce brief summaries or abstracts of available reference materials. These abstracts often contain distilled information on topics of discussion. While we focus on the more scientific aspects of stuttering, there is, of course, the emotional side to consider. Later in the sourcebook, we provide a chapter dedicated to helping you find peer groups and associations that can provide additional support beyond research produced by medical science. We hope that the choices we have made give you the most options available in moving forward. In this way, we wish you the best in your efforts to incorporate this educational approach into your treatment plan. The Editors
7
PART I: THE ESSENTIALS
ABOUT PART I Part I has been edited to give you access to what we feel are “the essentials” on stuttering. The essentials of a disease typically include the definition or description of the disease, a discussion of who it affects, the signs or symptoms associated with the disease, tests or diagnostic procedures that might be specific to the disease, and treatments for the disease. Your doctor or healthcare provider may have already explained the essentials of stuttering to you or even given you a pamphlet or brochure describing stuttering. Now you are searching for more in-depth information. As editors, we have decided, nevertheless, to include a discussion on where to find essential information that can complement what your doctor has already told you. In this section we recommend a process, not a particular Web site or reference book. The process ensures that, as you search the Web, you gain background information in such a way as to maximize your understanding.
Guidelines
CHAPTER 1. GUIDELINES
THE
ESSENTIALS
ON
9
STUTTERING:
Overview Official agencies, as well as federally-funded institutions supported by national grants, frequently publish a variety of guidelines on stuttering. These are typically called “Fact Sheets” or “Guidelines.” They can take the form of a brochure, information kit, pamphlet, or flyer. Often they are only a few pages in length. The great advantage of guidelines over other sources is that they are often written with the patient in mind. Since new guidelines on stuttering can appear at any moment and be published by a number of sources, the best approach to finding guidelines is to systematically scan the Internet-based services that post them.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)5 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the first place to search for relatively current patient guidelines and fact sheets on stuttering. Originally founded in 1887, the NIH is one of the world’s foremost medical research centers and the federal focal point for medical research in the United States. At any given time, the NIH supports some 35,000 research grants at universities, medical schools, and other research and training institutions, both nationally and internationally. The rosters of those who have conducted research or who have received NIH support over the years include the world’s most illustrious scientists and physicians. Among them are 97 scientists who have won the Nobel Prize for achievement in medicine.
5
Adapted from the NIH: http://www.nih.gov/about/NIHoverview.html.
10 Stuttering
There is no guarantee that any one Institute will have a guideline on a specific disease, though the National Institutes of Health collectively publish over 600 guidelines for both common and rare diseases. The best way to access NIH guidelines is via the Internet. Although the NIH is organized into many different Institutes and Offices, the following is a list of key Web sites where you are most likely to find NIH clinical guidelines and publications dealing with stuttering and associated conditions: ·
Office of the Director (OD); guidelines consolidated across agencies available at http://www.nih.gov/health/consumer/conkey.htm
·
National Library of Medicine (NLM); extensive encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.) with guidelines available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html
·
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD); fact sheets and guidelines available at http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/health.htm
Among the above, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is particularly noteworthy. The mission of the NIDCD is to conduct and support biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language.6 The Institute also conducts and supports research and research training related to disease prevention and health promotion; addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people who have communication impairments or disorders; and supports efforts to create devices which substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication function. The following patient guideline was recently published by the NIDCD on stuttering.
What Is Stuttering?7 Stuttering is a speech disorder in which the normal flow of speech is disrupted by frequent repetitions or prolongations of speech sounds, syllables or words or by an individual’s inability to start a word. The speech disruptions may be accompanied by rapid eye blinks, tremors of the lips 6 This paragraph has been adapted from the NIDCD: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/about/about.htm. “Adapted” signifies that a passage has been reproduced exactly or slightly edited for this book. 7 Adapted from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/pubs_vsl/stutter.htm.
Guidelines 11
and/or jaw or other struggle behaviors of the face or upper body that a person who stutters may use in an attempt to speak. Certain situations, such as speaking before a group of people or talking on the telephone, tend to make stuttering more severe, whereas other situations, such as singing or speaking alone, often improve fluency. Stuttering may also be referred to as stammering, especially in England, and by a broader term, disfluent speech. Stuttering is different from two additional speech fluency disorders, cluttering, characterized by a rapid, irregular speech and spasmodic dysphonia, a voice disorder.
How Is Speech Normally Produced? Speech is normally produced through a series of precisely coordinated muscle movements involving respiration (the breathing mechanism), phonation (the voicing mechanism) and articulation (throat, palate, tongue, lips and teeth). These muscle movements are initiated, coordinated and controlled by the brain and monitored through the senses of hearing and touch. Before speaking, an individual takes a breath and the vocal folds (or vocal cords), which are two bands of muscular tissue located in the voice box directly above the trachea or windpipe, must come together. The air that is held in the lungs is gradually released, passing through the gently closed vocal folds thus causing vibration and producing the voice. The sound of the voice is passed through the throat and is directed into the mouth for most speech sounds, or into the nose for nasal sounds such as “m,” “n” and “ng.” The palate, tongue, jaw and lips move in precise ways to modify the sounds in order to make speech sounds.
12 Stuttering
Who Stutters? It is estimated that over three million Americans stutter. Stuttering affects individuals of all ages but occurs most frequently in young children between the ages of 2 and 6 who are developing language. Boys are three times more likely to stutter than girls. Most children, however, outgrow their stuttering, and it is estimated that less than 1 percent of adults stutter. Many individuals who stutter have become successful in careers that require public speaking. The list of individuals includes Winston Churchill, actress Marilyn Monroe, actors James Earl Jones, Bruce Willis and Jimmy Stewart, and singers Carly Simon and Mel Tillis, to name only a few.
What Causes Stuttering? Scientists suspect a variety of causes. There is reason to believe that many forms of stuttering are genetically determined. The precise mechanisms causing stuttering are not understood. The most common form of stuttering is thought to be developmental, that is, it is occurring in children who are in the process of developing speech and language. This relaxed type of stuttering is felt to occur when a child’s speech and language abilities are unable to meet his or her verbal demands.
Guidelines 13
Stuttering happens when the child searches for the correct word. Developmental stuttering is usually outgrown. Another common form of stuttering is neurogenic. Neurogenic disorders arise from signal problems between the brain and nerves or muscles. In neurogenic stuttering, the brain is unable to coordinate adequately the different components of the speech mechanism. Neurogenic stuttering may also occur following a stroke or other type of brain injury. Other forms of stuttering are classified as psychogenic or originating in the mind or mental activity of the brain such as thought and reasoning. Whereas at one time the major cause of stuttering was thought to be psychogenic, this type of stuttering is now known to account for only a minority of the individuals who stutter. Although individuals who stutter may develop emotional problems such as fear of meeting new people or speaking on the telephone, these problems often result from stuttering rather than causing the stuttering. Psychogenic stuttering occasionally occurs in individuals who have some types of mental illness or individuals who have experienced severe mental stress or anguish. Scientists and clinicians have long known that stuttering may run in families and that there is a strong possibility that some forms of stuttering are, in fact, hereditary. No gene or genes for stuttering, however, have yet been found.
How Is Stuttering Diagnosed? Stuttering is generally diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist, a professional who is specially trained to test and treat individuals with voice, speech and language disorders. The diagnosis is usually based on the history of the disorder, such as when it was first noticed and under what circumstances, as well as a complete evaluation of speech and language abilities.
How Is Stuttering Treated? There are a variety of treatments available for stuttering. Any of the methods may improve stuttering to some degree, but there is at present no cure for stuttering. Stuttering therapy, however, may help prevent developmental stuttering from becoming a life-long problem. Therefore a speech evaluation is recommended for children who stutter for longer than six months or for those whose stuttering is accompanied by struggle behaviors.
14 Stuttering
Developmental stuttering is often treated by educating parents about restructuring the child’s speaking environment to reduce the episodes of stuttering. Parents are often urged to: ·
Provide a relaxed home environment that provides ample opportunities for the child to speak. Setting aside specific times when the child and parent can speak free of distractions is often helpful.
·
Refrain from criticizing the child’s speech or reacting negatively to the child’s disfluencies. Parents should avoid punishing the child for any disfluencies or asking the child repeat stuttered words until they are spoken fluently.
·
Resist encouraging the child to perform verbally for people.
·
Listen attentively to the child when he or she speaks.
·
Speak slowly and in a relaxed manner. If a parent speaks this way, the child will often speak in the same slow, relaxed manner.
·
Wait for the child to say the intended word. Don’t try to complete the child’s thoughts.
·
Talk openly to the child about stuttering if he or she brings up the subject.
Many of the currently popular therapy programs for persistent stuttering focus on relearning how to speak or unlearning faulty ways of speaking. The psychological side effects of stuttering that often occur, such as fear of speaking to strangers or in public, are also addressed in most of these programs. Other forms of therapy utilize interventions such as medications or electronic devices. Medications or drugs which affect brain function often have side effects that make them difficult to use for long-term treatment. Electronic devices which help an individual control fluency may be more of a bother than a help in most speaking situations and are often abandoned by individuals who stutter. Unconventional methods of stuttering therapy also exist. It is always a good policy to check the credentials, experience and goals of the person offering treatment. Avoid working with anyone who promises a “cure” for stuttering.
Guidelines 15
What Research Is Being Done about Stuttering? Stuttering research is exploring ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of stuttering as well as to identify its causes. Emphasis is being placed on improving the ability to determine which children will outgrow their stuttering and which children will stutter the rest of their lives. Stuttering characteristics are being examined to help identify groups of individuals who have similar types of stuttering and therefore may have a common cause. Research is also being conducted that will help locate the possible genes for the types of stuttering that tend to run in families. Modern medical tools such as PET (positron emission tomography) scans and functional MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are offering insight into the brain organization of individuals who stutter. The effectiveness of different types of treatment are also being examined, and new treatments are being developed.
Where Can I Get Additional Information? For more information, contact: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 10801 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 Voice/TTY: (301) 987-5700 Voice: (800) 638-8255 Fax: (301) 571-0457 Internet: www.asha.org National Council on Stuttering Counseling Center 1200 W. Harrison Street, Suite 2010 MIC 333 Chicago, IL 60607-7110 Voice: (312) 996-3132 E-mail:
[email protected] National Stuttering Project 5100 East La Palma Avenue Suite 208 Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 Voice: (800) 364-1677
16 Stuttering
Fax: (714) 693-7554 Internet: www.nspstutter.org Stuttering Foundation of America P.O. Box 11749 3100 Walnut Grove Road #603 Memphis, TN 38111 Voice: (800) 992-9392 E-mail:
[email protected] Internet: www.stuttersfa.org Stuttering Resource Foundation 123 Oxford Rd. New Rochelle, NY 10804 Voice: (800) 232-4773
More Guideline Sources The guideline above on stuttering is only one example of the kind of material that you can find online and free of charge. The remainder of this chapter will direct you to other sources which either publish or can help you find additional guidelines on topics related to stuttering. Many of the guidelines listed below address topics that may be of particular relevance to your specific situation or of special interest to only some patients with stuttering. Due to space limitations these sources are listed in a concise manner. Do not hesitate to consult the following sources by either using the Internet hyperlink provided, or, in cases where the contact information is provided, contacting the publisher or author directly.
Topic Pages: MEDLINEplus For patients wishing to go beyond guidelines published by specific Institutes of the NIH, the National Library of Medicine has created a vast and patientoriented healthcare information portal called MEDLINEplus. Within this Internet-based system are “health topic pages.” You can think of a health topic page as a guide to patient guides. To access this system, log on to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html. From there you can either search using the alphabetical index or browse by broad topic areas.
Guidelines 17
If you do not find topics of interest when browsing health topic pages, then you can choose to use the advanced search utility of MEDLINEplus at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/advancedsearch.html. This utility is similar to the NIH Search Utility, with the exception that it only includes material linked within the MEDLINEplus system (mostly patient-oriented information). It also has the disadvantage of generating unstructured results. We recommend, therefore, that you use this method only if you have a very targeted search.
The Combined Health Information Database (CHID) CHID Online is a reference tool that maintains a database directory of thousands of journal articles and patient education guidelines on stuttering and related conditions. One of the advantages of CHID over other sources is that it offers summaries that describe the guidelines available, including contact information and pricing. CHID’s general Web site is http://chid.nih.gov/. To search this database, go to http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. In particular, you can use the advanced search options to look up pamphlets, reports, brochures, and information kits. The following was recently posted in this archive: ·
Stuttering: Answers for Employers Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America. 1999. [4 p.]. Contact: Available from Stuttering Foundation of America. 3100 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 603, P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. (800) 992-9392. Website: www.stutterSFA.org. Price: Single copy free. Summary: This brochure answers some common questions about stuttering and provides resources for people who stutter and their colleagues in the workplace. The brochure was written by the Stuttering Foundation of America, in response to many requests from managers, human resources professionals, and business owners for more information about stuttering. The brochure summarizes basic facts about stuttering and offers strategies for eliminating stereotypes about stuttering. The brochure emphasizes that the best way to approach an employee's stuttering is through honest communication. By refraining from making assumptions about the person's job related abilities and skills, both the employee and employer can effectively achieve their goals. In addition, the Stuttering Foundation encourages people who stutter to take an active approach towards their stuttering. Greater understanding of speech handicaps provides benefits both for the organization and all the people who work there. The brochure offers the
18 Stuttering
toll free Hotline on Stuttering (800-992-9392) and the associated web site (www.stutterSFA.org). The brochure is illustrated with full color photographs of people who stutter and people in everyday workplace settings. ·
If You Think Your Child is Stuttering Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America. 1998. [2 p.]. Contact: Stuttering Foundation of America. P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. (800) 992-9392 or (901) 452-7343; Fax (901) 452-7343; Fax (901) 452-3931; E-mail:
[email protected]; http://www.stutterSFA.org. Price: $0.10 each; bulk prices available; shipping and handling additional. Item Number SFA CS 98-2. Summary: This brochure explains the difference between the normally disfluent child, the child with mild stuttering, and the child with more severe stuttering. The brochure provides suggestions on how parents can work with children who have disfluencies. An order form is included for two Stuttering Foundation booklets. The brochure is available in English and Spanish.
·
Catalog: Stuttering Foundation of America Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America. 1997. 6 p. Contact: Available from Stuttering Foundation of America. 3100 Walnut Grove, Suite 603, P.O Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. Voice (800) 992-9392; Fax (901) 452-3931. Price: Single copy free; $8.00 per 100 (check or money orders only). Summary: This brochure lists the publications and audiovisual materials on stuttering available from the Stuttering Foundation of America. The materials focus on the prevention and treatment of stuttering, and are categorized into items for the public and items for professional use. In addition to books, the catalog lists brochures, posters, and videotapes. The materials are underwritten by the Foundation and are therefore low in price. The brochure includes an order form and information about shipping and handling costs. Most items are illustrated with a small, fullcolor photograph.
·
Brief History: Stuttering Foundation of America Source: Memphis,TN: Stuttering Foundation of America. 1994. 2 p. Contact: Available from Stuttering Foundation of America. P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. Voice (800) 992-9392; Fax (901) 45-3931.
Guidelines 19
PRICE: Single copy free; $8.00 per 100 (check or money order only). Item Number BH 92-2. Summary: This brochure presents a brief history of the Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA). Started in 1947, the SFA was founded to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available on the prevention of stuttering in children and the best and most effective treatment available for teenagers and adults. The brochure discusses the Foundation's classification as a tax-exempt organization. Other sections describe the Foundation's educational conferences and symposia, publications and brochures, and national recognition, honors, and awards. ·
Understanding Stuttering: Information for Parents. Rev. ed Source: Chicago, IL: National Easter Seal Society. 1990. 30 p. Contact: Available from National Easter Seal Society. 230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606. Voice (312) 726-6200; TTY (312) 7264258; Fax (312) 726-1494; http://seals.com/. Price: $6.75 (sold in lots of three). Order Number E-63. Summary: This booklet is for parents of children who may be beginning to stutter. The booklet is designed to relieve unwarranted fears by providing information about a problem that many children experience while they are learning to speak. Information is provided in six sections: defining stuttering; facts about stuttering; the causes of stuttering; determining whether a disfluent child needs help; suggestions for parents; and therapy programs. The brochure concludes with a list of three resources that might provide additional information and a description of the role of the speech-language pathologist.
·
National Stuttering Project Source: Anaheim Hills, CA: National Stuttering Association. 199x. [4 p.]. Contact: Available from National Stuttering Association. 5100 East La Palma Avenue, Number 208, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807. (800) 364-1677. Fax (714) 693-7554. E-mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.nsastutter.org. Price: Single copy free. Summary: This brochure describes the work of the National Stuttering Project (NSP),now the National Stuttering Association (NSA). They were formed in 1977 to provide hope and dignity to all who stutter, and to educate the general public on the nature of this frustrating and misunderstood disorder. The brochure discusses the history and purpose of the NSA; the NSA network of over 50 active support groups
20 Stuttering
nationwide; materials, publications, programs, and events; and why readers should join the NSA. The brochure includes quotations from NSA members and a toll-free telephone number for further information. Also included is a membership application. ·
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Answers Questions About Stuttering Source: Rockville, MD: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 1996. 2 p. Contact: Available from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Product Sales, 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. (888) 498-6699. TTY (301) 897-0157. Website: www.asha.org. Price: $0.75 each for 1-9 brochures; bulk rates available. Summary: This brochure lists common questions about stuttering, with answers provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Written in simple and clear language, the brochure provides a definition of stuttering and discusses the incidence of stuttering. Other topics include the causes of stuttering, the relationship of psychological or emotional problems to stuttering, the age at which stuttering is most likely to appear, seeking treatment for stuttering, guidelines for listening to and interacting with a child who stutters, interacting with adults who stutter, and the role of the speech language pathologist in evaluating and treating stuttering. The National Guideline Clearinghouse™
The National Guideline Clearinghouse™ offers hundreds of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines published in the United States and other countries. You can search their site located at http://www.guideline.gov by using the keyword “stuttering” or synonyms. The following was recently posted: ·
1999 update: ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee on Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction). Source: American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association.; 1996 November 1 (revised 1999 Sep); 22 pages http://www.guideline.gov/FRAMESETS/guideline_fs.asp?guideline=00 1232&sSearch_string=stuttering
Guidelines 21
·
ACC/AHA guidelines for coronary angiography. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee on Coronary Angiography). Source: American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions.; 1999 May; 70 pages http://www.guideline.gov/FRAMESETS/guideline_fs.asp?guideline=00 1161&sSearch_string=stuttering
·
Treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Source: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement.; 1996 May (revised 2001 Oct); 53 pages http://www.guideline.gov/FRAMESETS/guideline_fs.asp?guideline=00 2316&sSearch_string=stuttering
Healthfinder™ Healthfinder™ is an additional source sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which offers links to hundreds of other sites that contain healthcare information. This Web site is located at http://www.healthfinder.gov. Again, keyword searches can be used to find guidelines. The following was recently found in this database: ·
Stuttering Summary: Basic consumer information on stuttering that includes causes, diagnosis, treatment and details about current NIH-funded research. The document also contains additional related resources. Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/recordpass.asp?RecordType=0&R ecordID=2059 The NIH Search Utility
After browsing the references listed at the beginning of this chapter, you may want to explore the NIH Search Utility. This allows you to search for documents on over 100 selected Web sites that comprise the NIH-WEBSPACE. Each of these servers is “crawled” and indexed on an ongoing basis. Your search will produce a list of various documents, all of which will relate
22 Stuttering
in some way to stuttering. The drawbacks of this approach are that the information is not organized by theme and that the references are often a mix of information for professionals and patients. Nevertheless, a large number of the listed Web sites provide useful background information. We can only recommend this route, therefore, for relatively rare or specific disorders, or when using highly targeted searches. To use the NIH search utility, visit the following Web page: http://search.nih.gov/index.html.
Additional Web Sources A number of Web sites that often link to government sites are available to the public. These can also point you in the direction of essential information. The following is a representative sample: ·
AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=168&layer=&from=subcats
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drkoop.comÒ: http://www.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/index.html
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Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/specific.htm
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Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/
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Med Help International: http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/A.html
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Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/
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Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/
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WebMDÒHealth: http://my.webmd.com/health_topics
Vocabulary Builder The material in this chapter may have contained a number of unfamiliar words. The following Vocabulary Builder introduces you to terms used in this chapter that have not been covered in the previous chapter: Angiography: Radiography of blood vessels after injection of a contrast medium. [NIH] Cardiology: The study of the heart, its physiology, and its functions. [NIH] Coronary: Encircling in the manner of a crown; a term applied to vessels; nerves, ligaments, etc. The term usually denotes the arteries that supply the heart muscle and, by extension, a pathologic involvement of them. [EU]
Guidelines 23
Infarction: 1. the formation of an infarct. 2. an infarct. [EU] Phonation: The process of producing vocal sounds by means of vocal cords vibrating in an expiratory blast of air. [NIH] Psychogenic: Produced or caused by psychic or mental factors rather than organic factors. [EU] Spasmodic: Of the nature of a spasm. [EU] Tomography: The recording of internal body images at a predetermined plane by means of the tomograph; called also body section roentgenography. [EU]
Trachea: The cartilaginous and membranous tube descending from the larynx and branching into the right and left main bronchi. [NIH] Tremor: An involuntary trembling or quivering. [EU]
Seeking Guidance 25
CHAPTER 2. SEEKING GUIDANCE Overview Some patients are comforted by the knowledge that a number of organizations dedicate their resources to helping people with stuttering. These associations can become invaluable sources of information and advice. Many associations offer aftercare support, financial assistance, and other important services. Furthermore, healthcare research has shown that support groups often help people to better cope with their conditions.8 In addition to support groups, your physician can be a valuable source of guidance and support. Therefore, finding a physician that can work with your unique situation is a very important aspect of your care. In this chapter, we direct you to resources that can help you find patient organizations and medical specialists. We begin by describing how to find associations and peer groups that can help you better understand and cope with stuttering. The chapter ends with a discussion on how to find a doctor that is right for you.
Associations and Stuttering As mentioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, sometimes the emotional side of an illness can be as taxing as the physical side.9 You may have fears or feel overwhelmed by your situation. Everyone has different ways of dealing with disease or physical injury. Your attitude, your expectations, and how well you cope with your condition can all Churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship might also have groups that can offer you the social support you need. 9 This section has been adapted from http://www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/diaginf5.htm. 8
26 Stuttering
influence your well-being. This is true for both minor conditions and serious illnesses. For example, a study on female breast cancer survivors revealed that women who participated in support groups lived longer and experienced better quality of life when compared with women who did not participate. In the support group, women learned coping skills and had the opportunity to share their feelings with other women in the same situation. In addition to associations or groups that your doctor might recommend, we suggest that you consider the following list (if there is a fee for an association, you may want to check with your insurance provider to find out if the cost will be covered): ·
British Stammering Association Address: British Stammering Association 15 Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PJ, United Kingdom Telephone: 44 0 181 983 1003 Toll-free: (888) 788-8837 Fax: 44 0 181 983 3591 Email:
[email protected] Web Site: http://www.stammer.demon.co.uk Background: The British Stammering Association (BSA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering information, guidance, support, and resources to children, adolescents, and adults affected by stammering. Also known as stuttering, stammering is a speech abnormality characterized by repeated hesitation or delay in enunciating words, abnormally prolonged pauses, and repetition of parts of or entire words. The mission of the BSA is to initiate and support research concerning stammering, identify and promote effective treatments, offer support to those whose lives are affected by stammering, and promote public awareness. To help fulfill its mission and objectives, the BSA is committed to improving information for professionals who work with young children to help eliminate stammering; helping teachers become more responsive to the needs of pupils affected by stammering; focusing attention on the employment difficulties of affected individuals; and providing a free, UK-wide, confidential telephone advice and counseling service. The BSA is also dedicated to coordinating mutual aid and selfhelp opportunities for members; campaigning for improvements in the National Health Service (NHS) stammering therapy provision; and improving public understanding of the difficulties faced by affected individuals and how they may be helped. In addition, the BSA puts UK residents in contact with their local NHS speech and language therapy departments; provides free information packets for parents of affected children under age five, primary and secondary school children,
Seeking Guidance 27
adolescents, adults, and speech and language therapists; publishes a regular newsletter entitled 'Speaking Out'; and maintains a web site on the Internet. Relevant area(s) of interest: Stammering, Stuttering ·
Canadian Association for People Who Stutter Address: Canadian Association for People Who Stutter PO Box 2274, Square One, 100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C8, Canada Telephone: (905) 252-8255 Toll-free: (888) 788-8837 Email:
[email protected] Web Site: http://caps.webcon.ne Background: The Canadian Association for People Who Stutter (CAPS) is a national nonprofit organization that provides coordination for a national network of autonomous Canadian self-help groups for individuals who stutter. Such groups, which offer support and resources to affected individuals and family members, are founded on the principle that, 'as people who stutter, we have much to learn from one another, no matter what language we speak.' Stuttering is a speech abnormality characterized by repeated hesitation or delay in enunciating words, abnormally prolonged pauses, and repetition of parts of words or entire words. CAPS is committed to working closely with speech professionals and treatment centers, serving as an impartial forum for information sharing, functioning as advocates for affected individuals, and promoting greater acceptance of people who stutter through public education. Above all, CAPS is committed to the principle that input from each organizational member across Canada is the basis for all of its work on behalf of affected children, adolescents, and adults as well as their parents, legal guardians, spouses, significant others, and families. The Association's activities include sponsoring national conferences for affected individuals and family members, publishing a quarterly newsletter, and maintaining a web site on the Internet. Relevant area(s) of interest: Stuttering
·
European League of Stuttering Associations Address: European League of Stuttering Associations Gereonswall 112, Koln, D-50670, German Telephone: 49 221 139 1106 Fax: 49 221 139 1370
28 Stuttering
Email:
[email protected] Web Site: http://www.europe.is/elsa Background: The European League of Stuttering Associations (ELSA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating the exchange of information among national stuttering organizations across Europe, representing the interests of Europeans who stutter and their respective national associations, and promoting self-help groups for affected individuals throughout Europe. Stuttering is a speech abnormality characterized by repeated hesitation or delay in enunciating words, abnormally prolonged pauses, and repetition of parts of words or entire words. ELSA promotes the exchange of information among European national organizations by conducting and compiling surveys concerning associations' attitudes toward self-help and their general policies; maintaining a library of the European associations' educational materials; publishing a regular newsletter that provides information on recent European developments and facilitates personal exchanges; and conducting European seminars that bring together organizational Board members, other interested delegates, and professionals in the field. ELSA represents the interests of European organizations by advocating for the interests and needs of affected individuals before the European Council and the European Union; serving as a founding member of the European Disability Forum, an umbrella association of European nongovernmental organizations; and establishing links with professional European organizations for speech and language professionals, researchers, and clinicians. In addition, ELSA promotes the concept of self-help by supporting and promoting the formation of new self-help groups and new European associations; stimulating and coordinating activities carried out by national member associations; and addressing professionals at seminars, conferences, and other events. Relevant area(s) of interest: Stuttering ·
National Stuttering Project Address: National Stuttering Project 5100 East La Palma Avenue, Suite 208, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 Telephone: (714) 693-7480 Toll-free: (800) 364-1677 Fax: (714) 693-7554 Email:
[email protected] Background: National Stuttering Project (NSP) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to people affected by stuttering. Established in 1977, NSP provides education, support, and empowerment tools to
Seeking Guidance 29
children and adults who stutter. In addition the organization serves their families and the speech-language pathologists who work with affected individuals. Consisting of 46 chapters and 5,000 members, the NSP also serves as an advocate and raises the consciousness of the general public about stuttering. Educational materials produced by the organization include a monthly newsletter entitled 'Letting Go,' audio-visual aids, and informational brochures such as 'A Guide for Parents of Children Who Stutter' in English and Spanish. A networking support system, including local support groups, seeks to provide emotional support and information. The Project also operates a toll-free national support hotline. Relevant area(s) of interest: Stuttering ·
New Zealand Spasmodic Dysphonia Patient Network Address: New Zealand Spasmodic Dysphonia Patient Network 15 Pluto Place, Auckland, 10, New Zealand Telephone: 64-9-482-1567 Fax: 64-9-482-1284 Email:
[email protected] Web Site: Non Background: The New Zealand Spasmodic Dysphonia Patient Network is a voluntary not-for-profit self-help organization dedicated to linking individuals affected by spasmodic dysphonia. Such networking opportunities enable affected individuals and family members to exchange information, resources, and mutual support. Spasmodic dysphonia is a rare disorder characterized by stuttering, momentary periods of uncontrolled vocal spasms, tightness in the throat, and/or recurrent hoarseness. The most frequent finding associated with spasmodic dysphonia is the occurrence of sudden, momentary lapses or interruptions of vocalization. Spasmodic dysphonia is a form of dystonia, a group of neuromuscular disorders characterized by involuntary muscle spasms. There are two main types of spasmodic dysphonia: 'abductor' spasmodic dysphonia, in which the vocal cords draw apart (abduction), and 'adductor' spasmodic dysphonia, in which the vocal cords draw together (adduction) and may become locked. The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is unknown. The New Zealand Spasmodic Dysphonia Patient Network was established in 1992 and currently has approximately 30 members. In addition to providing networking services to its members, the organization has a database and publishes a regular newsletter.
30 Stuttering
·
Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders Address: Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders 13 Segal Drive, Tillsonburg, Ontario, N4G 4P4, Canada Telephone: (519) 842-9506 Fax: (519) 842-3228 Email:
[email protected] Web Site: http://www.cyberus.ca/oafcc Background: The Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD) is a voluntary self-help organization in Canada that was founded by parents and professionals dedicated to increasing the understanding of communication disorders among parents, program planners, administrators, and the general public. Communication disorders are conditions in which affected individuals have an inability to understand or use speech or language to relate to others in society. Such disorders may be characterized by language, articulation, voice, and/or stuttering abnormalities. Since the OAFCCD was founded in 1994, it has grown to approximately 750 members and 30 chapters. The Association is committed to providing information and support to families of children with communication disorders; assisting families in helping their children access speech and language services; increasing public awareness about the needs of children with such disorders; and promoting awareness of the need for early identification and intervention. In addition, the OAFCCD provides affected families with networking opportunities, conducts local workshops and meetings, sponsors an annual Provincial Conference, and has a web site on the Internet. The Association's educational materials include brochures and a regular newsletter. Relevant area(s) of interest: Disfluent Speech, Stuttering
·
Parent Pals (A Gifted and Special Education Web Site on the Internet for Parents) Address: Parent Pals (A Gifted and Special Education Web Site on the Internet for Parents) Telephone: (901) 452-7343 Toll-free: (800) 992-9392 Email:
[email protected] Web Site: http://www.parentpals.co
Seeking Guidance 31
Background: Parent Pals, a Gifted and Special Education Web site on the Internet, provides a variety of information and services for parents of children who are gifted or who have certain disabilities including Attention Deficit Disorder, autism, hearing impairment, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, mental retardation, mobility impairment, speech and language impairment, stuttering, visual impairment, traumatic brain injury, and/or other health impairments. Parent Pals provides newsletters from therapists, teachers, and psychiatrists; general information on such topics as special education services, early intervention services, and individualized education programs (IEPs); a dictionary of terms used in special education; and an index of definitions concerning certain disorders. The site also provides specific educational and therapy games to enhance children's learning and language skills. These teaching ideas are organized by four levels, ranging from level 1 with preschool tasks to level 4 for gifted students. Parent Pals also provides weekly tips for parents of gifted children or children with certain disabilities. In addition, the site offers dynamic links to additional web sites in several different categories including 'education links,' 'therapy links,' 'special education legislation links,' and 'medical links.' Parent Pals is located at http://www.parentpals.com. Relevant area(s) of interest: Stuttering ·
Stuttering Foundation of America Address: Stuttering Foundation of America PO Box 11749, 3100 Walnut Grove Road Number 603, Memphis, TN 38111-0749 Telephone: (901) 452-7343 Toll-free: (800) 992-9392 Fax: (901) 452-3931 Email:
[email protected] and
[email protected] Web Site: http://www.stuttersfa.or Background: The Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA) is a not-forprofit organization dedicated to people affected by stuttering. Established in 1947, SFA is dedicated to the improved treatment and the prevention of stuttering. The Foundation publishes a periodic newsletter and numerous informational brochures including 'If You Think Your Child Is Stuttering,' 'The Child Who Stutters at School: Notes to the Teacher,' 'Turning to Therapy,' and 'Using the Telephone, A Guide for People Who Stutter.' Several publications are also directed toward medical professionals who serve the stuttering community. The Foundation maintains a toll-free Hotline on stuttering and a nationwide resource list for individuals seeking a speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering. In addition, the Foundation in collaboration with
32 Stuttering
Northwestern University co-sponsors an annual 'Workshop for Specialists: Stuttering Therapy.' This is an in-depth two week training program. Relevant area(s) of interest: Stuttering
Finding More Associations There are a number of directories that list additional medical associations that you may find useful. While not all of these directories will provide different information than what is listed above, by consulting all of them, you will have nearly exhausted all sources for patient associations.
The National Health Information Center (NHIC) The National Health Information Center (NHIC) offers a free referral service to help people find organizations that provide information about stuttering. For more information, see the NHIC’s Web site at http://www.health.gov/NHIC/ or contact an information specialist by calling 1-800-336-4797.
DIRLINE A comprehensive source of information on associations is the DIRLINE database maintained by the National Library of Medicine. The database comprises some 10,000 records of organizations, research centers, and government institutes and associations which primarily focus on health and biomedicine. DIRLINE is available via the Internet at the following Web site: http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov/. Simply type in “stuttering” (or a synonym) or the name of a topic, and the site will list information contained in the database on all relevant organizations. The Combined Health Information Database Another comprehensive source of information on healthcare associations is the Combined Health Information Database. Using the “Detailed Search” option, you will need to limit your search to “Organizations” and “stuttering”. Type the following hyperlink into your Web browser: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find associations, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search
Seeking Guidance 33
by.” For publication date, select “All Years.” Then, select your preferred language and the format option “Organization Resource Sheet.” By making these selections and typing in “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box, you will only receive results on organizations dealing with stuttering. You should check back periodically with this database since it is updated every 3 months. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. has prepared a Web site that provides, at no charge, lists of associations organized by specific diseases. You can access this database at the following Web site: http://www.rarediseases.org/cgi-bin/nord/searchpage. Select the option called “Organizational Database (ODB)” and type “stuttering” (or a synonym) in the search box. Online Support Groups In addition to support groups, commercial Internet service providers offer forums and chat rooms for people with different illnesses and conditions. WebMDÒ, for example, offers such a service at their Web site: http://boards.webmd.com/roundtable. These online self-help communities can help you connect with a network of people whose concerns are similar to yours. Online support groups are places where people can talk informally. If you read about a novel approach, consult with your doctor or other healthcare providers, as the treatments or discoveries you hear about may not be scientifically proven to be safe and effective. ·
Internet Resources For Stutterers http://www.casafuturatech.com/Book/Practice/internet.html
·
Stuttering Chat - Online Support For People Who Stutter http://www.stutteringchat.co.uk
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National Stuttering Association http://www.nsastutter.org/world.html
34 Stuttering
Finding Doctors One of the most important aspects of your treatment will be the relationship between you and your doctor or specialist. All patients with stuttering must go through the process of selecting a physician. While this process will vary from person to person, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality makes a number of suggestions, including the following:10 ·
If you are in a managed care plan, check the plan’s list of doctors first.
·
Ask doctors or other health professionals who work with doctors, such as hospital nurses, for referrals.
·
Call a hospital’s doctor referral service, but keep in mind that these services usually refer you to doctors on staff at that particular hospital. The services do not have information on the quality of care that these doctors provide.
·
Some local medical societies offer lists of member doctors. Again, these lists do not have information on the quality of care that these doctors provide. Additional steps you can take to locate doctors include the following: ·
Check with the associations listed earlier in this chapter.
·
Information on doctors in some states is available on the Internet at http://www.docboard.org. This Web site is run by “Administrators in Medicine,” a group of state medical board directors.
·
The American Board of Medical Specialties can tell you if your doctor is board certified. “Certified” means that the doctor has completed a training program in a specialty and has passed an exam, or “board,” to assess his or her knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality patient care in that specialty. Primary care doctors may also be certified as specialists. The AMBS Web site is located at http://www.abms.org/newsearch.asp.11 You can also contact the ABMS by phone at 1-866-ASK-ABMS.
·
You can call the American Medical Association (AMA) at 800-665-2882 for information on training, specialties, and board certification for many licensed doctors in the United States. This information also can be found in “Physician Select” at the AMA’s Web site: http://www.amaassn.org/aps/amahg.htm.
This section is adapted from the AHRQ: www.ahrq.gov/consumer/qntascii/qntdr.htm. While board certification is a good measure of a doctor’s knowledge, it is possible to receive quality care from doctors who are not board certified. 10 11
Seeking Guidance 35
Finding a Speech-Language Pathologist The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA, www.asha.com) maintains ProServ, an online directory of ASHA certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists in the U.S. and Canada. To search the ProServ database, go to http://www.asha.org/proserv/ and fill in the search form. All specialists in the database have a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). For more information on CCC certification, see http://www.asha.org/about_CCC.cfm. If the previous sources did not meet your needs, you may want to log on to the Web site of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) at http://www.rarediseases.org/. NORD maintains a database of doctors with expertise in various rare diseases. The Metabolic Information Network (MIN), 800-945-2188, also maintains a database of physicians with expertise in various metabolic diseases.
Selecting Your Doctor12 When you have compiled a list of prospective doctors, call each of their offices. First, ask if the doctor accepts your health insurance plan and if he or she is taking new patients. If the doctor is not covered by your plan, ask yourself if you are prepared to pay the extra costs. The next step is to schedule a visit with your chosen physician. During the first visit you will have the opportunity to evaluate your doctor and to find out if you feel comfortable with him or her. Ask yourself, did the doctor: ·
Give me a chance to ask questions about stuttering?
·
Really listen to my questions?
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Answer in terms I understood?
·
Show respect for me?
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Ask me questions?
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Make me feel comfortable?
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Address the health problem(s) I came with?
·
Ask me my preferences about different kinds of treatments for stuttering?
12 This
section has been adapted from the AHRQ: www.ahrq.gov/consumer/qntascii/qntdr.htm.
36 Stuttering
·
Spend enough time with me?
Trust your instincts when deciding if the doctor is right for you. But remember, it might take time for the relationship to develop. It takes more than one visit for you and your doctor to get to know each other.
Working with Your Doctor13 Research has shown that patients who have good relationships with their doctors tend to be more satisfied with their care and have better results. Here are some tips to help you and your doctor become partners: ·
You know important things about your symptoms and your health history. Tell your doctor what you think he or she needs to know.
·
It is important to tell your doctor personal information, even if it makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
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Bring a “health history” list with you (and keep it up to date).
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Always bring any medications you are currently taking with you to the appointment, or you can bring a list of your medications including dosage and frequency information. Talk about any allergies or reactions you have had to your medications.
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Tell your doctor about any natural or alternative medicines you are taking.
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Bring other medical information, such as x-ray films, test results, and medical records.
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Ask questions. If you don’t, your doctor will assume that you understood everything that was said.
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Write down your questions before your visit. List the most important ones first to make sure that they are addressed.
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Consider bringing a friend with you to the appointment to help you ask questions. This person can also help you understand and/or remember the answers.
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Ask your doctor to draw pictures if you think that this would help you understand.
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Take notes. Some doctors do not mind if you bring a tape recorder to help you remember things, but always ask first.
This section has been adapted from the AHRQ: www.ahrq.gov/consumer/qntascii/qntdr.htm.
13
Seeking Guidance 37
·
Let your doctor know if you need more time. If there is not time that day, perhaps you can speak to a nurse or physician assistant on staff or schedule a telephone appointment.
·
Take information home. Ask for written instructions. Your doctor may also have brochures and audio and videotapes that can help you.
·
After leaving the doctor’s office, take responsibility for your care. If you have questions, call. If your symptoms get worse or if you have problems with your medication, call. If you had tests and do not hear from your doctor, call for your test results. If your doctor recommended that you have certain tests, schedule an appointment to get them done. If your doctor said you should see an additional specialist, make an appointment.
By following these steps, you will enhance the relationship you will have with your physician.
Broader Health-Related Resources In addition to the references above, the NIH has set up guidance Web sites that can help patients find healthcare professionals. These include:14 ·
Caregivers: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/caregivers.html
·
Choosing a Doctor or Healthcare Service: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/choosingadoctororhealthcareserv ice.html
·
Hospitals and Health Facilities: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthfacilities.html
Vocabulary Builder The following vocabulary builder provides definitions of words used in this chapter that have not been defined in previous chapters:
You can access this information at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthsystem.html.
14
38 Stuttering
Dystonia: Disordered tonicity of muscle. [EU] Hoarseness: An unnaturally deep or rough quality of voice. [NIH] Mobility: Capability of movement, of being moved, or of flowing freely. [EU] Neuromuscular: Pertaining to muscles and nerves. [EU]
Clinical Trials 39
CHAPTER 3. CLINICAL TRIALS AND STUTTERING Overview Very few medical conditions have a single treatment. The basic treatment guidelines that your physician has discussed with you, or those that you have found using the techniques discussed in Chapter 1, may provide you with all that you will require. For some patients, current treatments can be enhanced with new or innovative techniques currently under investigation. In this chapter, we will describe how clinical trials work and show you how to keep informed of trials concerning stuttering.
What Is a Clinical Trial?15 Clinical trials involve the participation of people in medical research. Most medical research begins with studies in test tubes and on animals. Treatments that show promise in these early studies may then be tried with people. The only sure way to find out whether a new treatment is safe, effective, and better than other treatments for stuttering is to try it on patients in a clinical trial.
The discussion in this chapter has been adapted from the NIH and the NEI: www.nei.nih.gov/netrials/ctivr.htm.
15
40 Stuttering
What Kinds of Clinical Trials Are There? Clinical trials are carried out in three phases: ·
Phase I. Researchers first conduct Phase I trials with small numbers of patients and healthy volunteers. If the new treatment is a medication, researchers also try to determine how much of it can be given safely.
·
Phase II. Researchers conduct Phase II trials in small numbers of patients to find out the effect of a new treatment on stuttering.
·
Phase III. Finally, researchers conduct Phase III trials to find out how new treatments for stuttering compare with standard treatments already being used. Phase III trials also help to determine if new treatments have any side effects. These trials--which may involve hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people--can also compare new treatments with no treatment. How Is a Clinical Trial Conducted?
Various organizations support clinical trials at medical centers, hospitals, universities, and doctors’ offices across the United States. The “principal investigator” is the researcher in charge of the study at each facility participating in the clinical trial. Most clinical trial researchers are medical doctors, academic researchers, and specialists. The “clinic coordinator” knows all about how the study works and makes all the arrangements for your visits. All doctors and researchers who take part in the study on stuttering carefully follow a detailed treatment plan called a protocol. This plan fully explains how the doctors will treat you in the study. The “protocol” ensures that all patients are treated in the same way, no matter where they receive care. Clinical trials are controlled. This means that researchers compare the effects of the new treatment with those of the standard treatment. In some cases, when no standard treatment exists, the new treatment is compared with no treatment. Patients who receive the new treatment are in the treatment group. Patients who receive a standard treatment or no treatment are in the “control” group. In some clinical trials, patients in the treatment group get a new medication while those in the control group get a placebo. A placebo is a harmless substance, a “dummy” pill, that has no effect on stuttering. In other clinical trials, where a new surgery or device (not a medicine) is being tested, patients in the control group may receive a “sham treatment.” This
Clinical Trials 41
treatment, like a placebo, has no effect on stuttering and does not harm patients. Researchers assign patients “randomly” to the treatment or control group. This is like flipping a coin to decide which patients are in each group. If you choose to participate in a clinical trial, you will not know which group you will be appointed to. The chance of any patient getting the new treatment is about 50 percent. You cannot request to receive the new treatment instead of the placebo or sham treatment. Often, you will not know until the study is over whether you have been in the treatment group or the control group. This is called a “masked” study. In some trials, neither doctors nor patients know who is getting which treatment. This is called a “double masked” study. These types of trials help to ensure that the perceptions of the patients or doctors will not affect the study results. Natural History Studies Unlike clinical trials in which patient volunteers may receive new treatments, natural history studies provide important information to researchers on how stuttering develops over time. A natural history study follows patient volunteers to see how factors such as age, sex, race, or family history might make some people more or less at risk for stuttering. A natural history study may also tell researchers if diet, lifestyle, or occupation affects how a disease or disorder develops and progresses. Results from these studies provide information that helps answer questions such as: How fast will a disease or disorder usually progress? How bad will the condition become? Will treatment be needed? What Is Expected of Patients in a Clinical Trial? Not everyone can take part in a clinical trial for a specific disease or disorder. Each study enrolls patients with certain features or eligibility criteria. These criteria may include the type and stage of disease or disorder, as well as, the age and previous treatment history of the patient. You or your doctor can contact the sponsoring organization to find out more about specific clinical trials and their eligibility criteria. If you are interested in joining a clinical trial, your doctor must contact one of the trial’s investigators and provide details about your diagnosis and medical history. If you participate in a clinical trial, you may be required to have a number of medical tests. You may also need to take medications and/or undergo
42 Stuttering
surgery. Depending upon the treatment and the examination procedure, you may be required to receive inpatient hospital care. Or, you may have to return to the medical facility for follow-up examinations. These exams help find out how well the treatment is working. Follow-up studies can take months or years. However, the success of the clinical trial often depends on learning what happens to patients over a long period of time. Only patients who continue to return for follow-up examinations can provide this important long-term information.
Recent Trials on Stuttering The National Institutes of Health and other organizations sponsor trials on various diseases and disorders. Because funding for research goes to the medical areas that show promising research opportunities, it is not possible for the NIH or others to sponsor clinical trials for every disease and disorder at all times. The following lists recent trials dedicated to stuttering.16 If the trial listed by the NIH is still recruiting, you may be eligible. If it is no longer recruiting or has been completed, then you can contact the sponsors to learn more about the study and, if published, the results. Further information on the trial is available at the Web site indicated. Please note that some trials may no longer be recruiting patients or are otherwise closed. Before contacting sponsors of a clinical trial, consult with your physician who can help you determine if you might benefit from participation. ·
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Involuntary Movement Disorders Condition(s): Chorea; Drug Induced Dyskinesia; Movement Disorder; Muscular Disease; Tic Disorder Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsor(s): National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Purpose - Excerpt: Botulism is a severe form of food poisoning caused by bacteria. This bacteria produces several toxins one of which is botulinum toxin A. This toxin causes the symptoms of food poisoning. Small amounts of botulinum toxin A have been used to treat speech disorders such as stuttering and problems with the muscles of the eyes. The study examines the effectiveness of botulinum toxin as treatment for a variety of movement disorders. The goals of the study are to refine the technique of treatment to provide the best results, to improve the understanding of how botulinum toxin works on movement disorders, and find other
16
These are listed at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
Clinical Trials 43
conditions that may be treatable with botulinum toxin. In addition, researchers also plan to study the possible use of botulinum toxin F alone and in combination with botulinum toxin A in patients who do not respond to botulinum A toxin treatment. Phase(s): Phase II Study Type: Interventional Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting; Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 1-800411-1222
[email protected]; TTY 1-866-411-1010 Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00001208 ·
Brain Imaging of Childhood Onset Psychiatric Disorders, Endocrine Disorders and Healthy Children Condition(s): Autoimmune Disease; Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia; Healthy; Mental Disorder Diagnosed in Childhood; Neurologic Manifestations Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsor(s): National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Purpose - Excerpt: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unlike X-rays and CT-scans does not use radiation to create a picture. MRI use as the name implies, magnetism to create pictures with excellent anatomical resolution. Functional MRIs are diagnostic tests that allow doctors to not only view anatomy, but physiology and function. It is for these reasons that MRIs are excellent methods for studying the brain. In this study, researchers will use MRIs to assess brain anatomy and function in normal volunteers and patients with a variety of childhood onset psychiatric disorders. The disorders include attention deficit disorder, autism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, childhood-onset schizophrenia, dyslexia, multidimesional impairment syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS), stuttering, Sydenham's chorea, and Tourette's syndrome. Results of the MRIs showing the anatomy of the brain and brain function will be compared across age, sex (gender), and diagnostic groups. Correlations between brain and behavioral measures will be examined for normal and clinical populations. Study Type: Observational Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting;
44 Stuttering
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison
[email protected]; TTY 1-866-411-1010
Office
1-800-411-1222
Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00001246 ·
Central Mechanisms in Speech Motor Control Studied with H215O PET Condition(s): Communication Disorder; Healthy; Stuttering; Tourette Syndrome; Voice Disorder Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsor(s): National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Purpose - Excerpt: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a technique used to investigate the functional activity of the brain. The PET technique allows doctors to study the normal biochemical and metabolic processes of the central nervous system of normal individuals and patients with neurologic illnesses without physical / structural damage to the brain. Radioactive water H215O in PET scans permits good visualization of areas of the brain related to speech. Most of the PET scan studies conducted have concentrated on learning about how language is formed and decoded. Few studies have been conducted on speech production. This study aims to use radioactive water (H215O) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan) to measure blood flow to different areas of the brain in order to better understand the mechanisms involved in speech motor control. When a region of the brain is active, it uses more fuel in the form of oxygen and sugar (glucose). As the brain uses more fuel it produces more waste products, carbon dioxide and water. Blood carries fuel to the brain and waste products away from the brain. As brain activity increases blood flow to and from the area of activity increases also. Knowing these facts, researchers can use radioactive chemicals (H215O) and PET scans to observe what areas of the brain are receiving more blood flow. Researchers will ask patients to perform tasks that will affect speech, voice, and language. At the same time patients will undergo a PET scan. The tasks are designed to help researchers observe the blood flow to brain areas associated with voicebox (laryngeal) functions, movement of muscles in the jaw, tongue, and mouth, and other aspects of motor speech. Special studies will be conducted to evaluate how certain therapies and tasks can draw out symptoms in illnesses in which speech and language are affected. Results of these tests will be used in other studies to evaluate the neurologic mechanisms of diseases like Tourette's syndrome and parkinson's disease. Study Type: Observational
Clinical Trials 45
Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting; Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 1-800-411-1222
[email protected]; TTY 1-866411-1010 Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00001308 ·
Characteristics of Idiopathic Familial Speech Disorders Condition(s): Developmental Articulation Disorder; Speech Disorder; Stuttering Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsor(s): National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Purpose - Excerpt: According to studies, speech disorders with unknown causes (idiopathic) affect approximately 5% of the population at some point in their life. Some of these disorders like, stuttering and cluttering, are known for being detected early, during speech development. Stuttering is characterized by sound and syllable repetitions and consonant/vowel prolongations. When stuttering is moderate to severe, it can interfere with a person's job and social activities. Speech articulation disorders are characterized by omissions, or substitutions of speech sounds. The speech of a person who clutters is often difficult to understand. People are often unaware of the errors they make when speaking causing treatment of the condition to be very difficult. The purpose of this research is to study an extended family whose members exhibit a pure form of speech articulation disorders In addition, the study will use data and information gathered from the study and use it to develop guidelines (criteria) for defining and differentiating patients with speech disorders. Study Type: Observational Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting; Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 1-800411-1222
[email protected]; TTY 1-866-411-1010 Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00001551
·
Dopamine Function in Developmental Stuttering Condition(s): Developmental Stuttering Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients.
46 Stuttering
Sponsor(s): National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Purpose - Excerpt: This study will use positron emission tomography (PET) to examine the role of the chemical messenger dopamine in stuttering. It will measure and compare the number of dopamine receptors and the amount of dopamine released in the brains of stutterers with that of normal volunteers. The results may provide information about how drugs that block dopamine's effect might work to enable fluent speech. Healthy normal volunteers and people with developmental stuttering between the ages of 18 and 55 may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and possibly a physical examination and laboratory tests. Participants will have a hearing test and cognitive function tests to measure speech, language, memory and visual skills. In addition, they will undergo the following procedures: - PET scanning to measure brain blood flow and dopamine distribution in the brain. PET uses radioactive materials to show cellular activity in specific tissues of the body. Before starting the procedure, a thin plastic tube (intravenous, or IV line) is placed in a vein in each arm of the subject and a special plastic mask is molded to the face. (The mask is used to insure that the position of the head does not change during the scan.) For the scan, the subject lies on a bed that is positioned into the scanner. A preliminary "transmission" scan is done to make necessary measurements and adjustments. Following this scan, 10 injections of radioactive water are given through an IV line. During these injections, the subject performs a series of speech tasks-such as singing, telling a story, or reciting nursery rhymes-that will elicit either fluent speech or stuttering. A special camera detects the radiation emitted and produces images of brain blood flow during stuttering and normal speech. Next, raclopride (a radioactive material that attaches to dopamine receptors on the cell surface) is given through an IV line and more pictures of the brain are taken. Fifty minutes after the raclopride injection, amphetamine-a drug that increases brain dopamine levels-is injected through the other IV line and more pictures are taken to show dopamine distribution in the brain. Fifty minutes after the amphetamine infusion, the IV lines are removed. - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to complement and interpret information from the PET scans. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show structural changes in tissues. The subject lies on a table surrounded by a metal cylinder (the scanner). During the procedure, which may take from 20 minutes to 2 hours, subjects may be asked to perform simple tasks, such as speaking or moving their arms. They can speak with a staff member via an intercom at all times during the procedure and can be moved out of the machine any time they request. Participants may be asked to return for
Clinical Trials 47
up to two scanning sessions within a year. For these scans, only 1 injection of radioactive water will be given. Study Type: Observational Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting; Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 1-800-411-1222
[email protected]; TTY 1-866411-1010 Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00024960 ·
Genetic Factors Related to Stuttering Condition(s): Stuttering Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsor(s): National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Purpose - Excerpt: Stuttering is an abnormality in speech that affects the rhythm of speech. People who stutter know what they wish to say, but at the time are unable to say it because of involuntary repetition, unnecessary lengthening (prolongation), or early stopping (cessation). This study is designed to increase understanding of the genetic factors that may relate to stuttering. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a protein found in the nucleus of all cells. It is responsible for carrying the genetic information of the organism. DNA provides the directions for making all of the substances in the human body. DNA can be linked together in small segments called genes. Genes can contain information about anything related to an organism. In order for researchers to determine what genes are directly related to stuttering they must conduct several types of studies. Linkage studies, are studies of families that have a lot of members who stutter from several generations. The linkage studies will be completed using adult individuals who are diagnosed as persons who stutter and persons who have never stuttered, from one or more families with large numbers of family members who have stuttered over several generations. Candidate gene studies, look closely at genes suspected to be related to stuttering in patients who may or may not have a significant family history of stuttering. By conducting these studies, researchers hope to learn more about genes related to stuttering and ultimately find out what causes stuttering. Study Type: Observational Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda,
48 Stuttering
Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting; Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 1-800-411-1222
[email protected]; TTY 1-866411-1010 Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00001602 ·
Genetic Linkage Studies of Stuttering Condition(s): Stuttering Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsor(s): National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Purpose - Excerpt: Stuttering is an abnormality in speech that affects the rhythm of speech. People who stutter know what they wish to say, but at the time are unable to say it because of involuntary repetition, unnecessary lengthening (prolongation), or early stopping (cessation). Stuttering is characterized by repetitions or prolongation of the first syllable, or silent prolongations, sometimes known as blocks. Researcher intend on studying the genetic basis for stuttering. The goal of the study is to find the genes that help cause stuttering and determine regions of the human genetic make-up (genome) that are linked to stuttering.. To do this researchers will study the patterns of inheritance in families who have had members who stutter. The study has two objectives. The first objective is to develop a large collection of DNA samples from individuals in stuttering families, that will include both members that stutter and who do not stutter. The second objective of the study will be to find out the basic combination of genes (genotype) making up all of the participants DNA. Once this is completed researchers hope to map out and find areas or regions of DNA that are linked to stuttering. Genetic linkage is the initial step in positional cloning, and the cloning of genes which predispose individuals to stuttering is a long term goal of this research study. Study Type: Observational Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting; Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 1-800-411-1222
[email protected]; TTY 1-866411-1010 Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00001604
Clinical Trials 49
·
Study of Brain Activity during Speech Production and Speech Perception Condition(s): Developmental Articulation Disorder; Stuttering Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsor(s): National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Purpose - Excerpt: The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the brain's activity and organization in the development of speech disorders. It will compare brain activity in people with normal speech development with those who stutter or who have a phonological disorder (a deficit in how the brain processes speech sounds). Stuttering and phonological disorders emerge during the critical period of speech development between 2.5 and 12 years of age. During this period, the brain is much more adaptable for speech development than it is after puberty. This study will examine how the brain organization for speech production and perception develops normally during the critical period and how the normal pattern is altered when stuttering and phonological disorders become chronic problems, persisting throughout life. Volunteer adults and children with and without speech disorders may participate in this study. Eligibility screening will include a brief neurological and physical examination and tests to determine normal speech or a speech disorder. The speech testing will be videotaped. The subject will speak aloud, describe pictures, recall words or numbers, imitate speech sounds and words, and perform some listening tests. Study participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study brain activity. For this procedure, the subject lies on a stretcher that is moved into a donut-shaped machine with a strong magnetic field. During the MRI scan, the subject will perform simple tasks, such as listening to speech or other sounds and saying nonsense words. The procedure should take less than 60 minutes, and usually takes from 20 to 40 minutes. Study Type: Observational Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting; Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 1-800411-1222
[email protected]; TTY 1-866-411-1010 Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00004991
50 Stuttering
·
Testing a Possible Cause of Reduced Ability of Children to Process Speech in Noise Condition(s): Central Auditory Disease; Healthy Study Status: This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsor(s): National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Purpose - Excerpt: This study aims to increase our understanding of the difficulty people have recognizing the spoken word, especially in noisy situations. Subjects must be between 12 and 18 years old with no history of voice disorder, autism, stuttering, aphasia, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, severe language disorders, and psychiatric disorders. Group A subjects must show reduced speech-in-noise scores and Group B subjects must demonstrate speech-in-noise scores within normal limits. The child will perform a series of hearing tasks that will take from 1.5 to 2 hours, with a break halfway through. A routine hearing test will be given. The child will sit in a sound-treated room wearing earphones and will depress a button in response to sound or to repeat words. The words may be in quiet or mixed with noise. In a test called "immitance," air pressure change and tones will be sent through a miniature probe in the ear for about 1 minute. TEOAE (transient-evoked otoacoustic emission) testing will test the inner ear with clicking sounds. At times, noise will be presented through a probe in the opposite ear. The child will listen to a series of recordings of speech in quiet and in noise and will be asked to repeat what is heard. These recordings will include monosyllabic words with some part of the sounds cut out; words presented with several voices speaking together; two words presented at the same time, one to each ear (child must repeat both words); and two sentences presented at the same time, one to each ear (child must repeat sentence presented to chosen ear). The only risk in this study is tiredness from listening. Study Type: Observational Contact(s): Maryland; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States; Recruiting; Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office 1-800-411-1222
[email protected]; TTY 1-866411-1010 Web Site: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a2b/show/NCT00001957
Clinical Trials 51
Benefits and Risks17 What Are the Benefits of Participating in a Clinical Trial? If you are interested in a clinical trial, it is important to realize that your participation can bring many benefits to you and society at large: ·
A new treatment could be more effective than the current treatment for stuttering. Although only half of the participants in a clinical trial receive the experimental treatment, if the new treatment is proved to be more effective and safer than the current treatment, then those patients who did not receive the new treatment during the clinical trial may be among the first to benefit from it when the study is over.
·
If the treatment is effective, then it may improve health or prevent diseases or disorders.
·
Clinical trial patients receive the highest quality of medical care. Experts watch them closely during the study and may continue to follow them after the study is over.
·
People who take part in trials contribute to scientific discoveries that may help other people with stuttering. In cases where certain diseases or disorders run in families, your participation may lead to better care or prevention for your family members. The Informed Consent
Once you agree to take part in a clinical trial, you will be asked to sign an “informed consent.” This document explains a clinical trial’s risks and benefits, the researcher’s expectations of you, and your rights as a patient.
What Are the Risks? Clinical trials may involve risks as well as benefits. Whether or not a new treatment will work cannot be known ahead of time. There is always a chance that a new treatment may not work better than a standard treatment. There is also the possibility that it may be harmful. The treatment you receive may cause side effects that are serious enough to require medical attention. This section has been adapted from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the National Institutes of Health: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a1r/info/whatis?JServSessionIdzone_ct=9jmun6f291. 17
52 Stuttering
How Is Patient Safety Protected? Clinical trials can raise fears of the unknown. Understanding the safeguards that protect patients can ease some of these fears. Before a clinical trial begins, researchers must get approval from their hospital’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), an advisory group that makes sure a clinical trial is designed to protect patient safety. During a clinical trial, doctors will closely watch you to see if the treatment is working and if you are experiencing any side effects. All the results are carefully recorded and reviewed. In many cases, experts from the Data and Safety Monitoring Committee carefully monitor each clinical trial and can recommend that a study be stopped at any time. You will only be asked to take part in a clinical trial as a volunteer giving informed consent. What Are a Patient’s Rights in a Clinical Trial? If you are eligible for a clinical trial, you will be given information to help you decide whether or not you want to participate. As a patient, you have the right to: ·
Information on all known risks and benefits of the treatments in the study.
·
Know how the researchers plan to carry out the study, for how long, and where.
·
Know what is expected of you.
·
Know any costs involved for you or your insurance provider.
·
Know before any of your medical or personal information is shared with other researchers involved in the clinical trial.
·
Talk openly with doctors and ask any questions.
After you join a clinical trial, you have the right to: ·
Leave the study at any time. Participation is strictly voluntary. However, you should not enroll if you do not plan to complete the study.
·
Receive any new information about the new treatment.
·
Continue to ask questions and get answers.
·
Maintain your privacy. Your name will not appear in any reports based on the study.
Clinical Trials 53
·
Know whether you participated in the treatment group or the control group (once the study has been completed).
What about Costs? In some clinical trials, the research facility pays for treatment costs and other associated expenses. You or your insurance provider may have to pay for costs that are considered standard care. These things may include inpatient hospital care, laboratory and other tests, and medical procedures. You also may need to pay for travel between your home and the clinic. You should find out about costs before committing to participation in the trial. If you have health insurance, find out exactly what it will cover. If you don’t have health insurance, or if your insurance company will not cover your costs, talk to the clinic staff about other options for covering the cost of your care. What Should You Ask before Deciding to Join a Clinical Trial? Questions you should ask when thinking about joining a clinical trial include the following: ·
What is the purpose of the clinical trial?
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What are the standard treatments for stuttering? Why do researchers think the new treatment may be better? What is likely to happen to me with or without the new treatment?
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What tests and treatments will I need? Will I need surgery? Medication? Hospitalization?
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How long will the treatment last? How often will I have to come back for follow-up exams?
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What are the treatment’s possible benefits to my condition? What are the short- and long-term risks? What are the possible side effects?
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Will the treatment be uncomfortable? Will it make me feel sick? If so, for how long?
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How will my health be monitored?
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Where will I need to go for the clinical trial? How will I get there?
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How much will it cost to be in the study? What costs are covered by the study? How much will my health insurance cover?
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Will I be able to see my own doctor? Who will be in charge of my care?
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Will taking part in the study affect my daily life? Do I have time to participate?
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How do I feel about taking part in a clinical trial? Are there family members or friends who may benefit from my contributions to new medical knowledge?
Keeping Current on Clinical Trials Various government agencies maintain databases on trials. The U.S. National Institutes of Health, through the National Library of Medicine, has developed ClinicalTrials.gov to provide patients, family members, and physicians with current information about clinical research across the broadest number of diseases and conditions. The site was launched in February 2000 and currently contains approximately 5,700 clinical studies in over 59,000 locations worldwide, with most studies being conducted in the United States. ClinicalTrials.gov receives about 2 million hits per month and hosts approximately 5,400 visitors daily. To access this database, simply go to their Web site (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and search by “stuttering” (or synonyms). While ClinicalTrials.gov is the most comprehensive listing of NIH-supported clinical trials available, not all trials are in the database. The database is updated regularly, so clinical trials are continually being added. The following is a list of specialty databases affiliated with the National Institutes of Health that offer additional information on trials: ·
For clinical studies at the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center located in Bethesda, Maryland, visit their Web site: http://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/
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For clinical studies conducted at the Bayview Campus in Baltimore, Maryland, visit their Web site: http://www.jhbmc.jhu.edu/studies/index.html
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For hearing-related trials, visit the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/clinical/index.htm
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General References The following references describe clinical trials and experimental medical research. They have been selected to ensure that they are likely to be available from your local or online bookseller or university medical library. These references are usually written for healthcare professionals, so you may consider consulting with a librarian or bookseller who might recommend a particular reference. The following includes some of the most readily available references (sorted alphabetically by title; hyperlinks provide rankings, information and reviews at Amazon.com): ·
A Guide to Patient Recruitment : Today’s Best Practices & Proven Strategies by Diana L. Anderson; Paperback - 350 pages (2001), CenterWatch, Inc.; ISBN: 1930624115; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1930624115/icongroupinterna
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A Step-By-Step Guide to Clinical Trials by Marilyn Mulay, R.N., M.S., OCN; Spiral-bound - 143 pages Spiral edition (2001), Jones & Bartlett Pub; ISBN: 0763715697; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0763715697/icongroupinterna
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The CenterWatch Directory of Drugs in Clinical Trials by CenterWatch; Paperback - 656 pages (2000), CenterWatch, Inc.; ISBN: 0967302935; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0967302935/icongroupinterna
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The Complete Guide to Informed Consent in Clinical Trials by Terry Hartnett (Editor); Paperback - 164 pages (2000), PharmSource Information Services, Inc.; ISBN: 0970153309; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0970153309/icongroupinterna
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Dictionary for Clinical Trials by Simon Day; Paperback - 228 pages (1999), John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0471985961; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471985961/icongroupinterna
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Extending Medicare Reimbursement in Clinical Trials by Institute of Medicine Staff (Editor), et al; Paperback 1st edition (2000), National Academy Press; ISBN: 0309068886; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0309068886/icongroupinterna
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Handbook of Clinical Trials by Marcus Flather (Editor); Paperback (2001), Remedica Pub Ltd; ISBN: 1901346293; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1901346293/icongroupinterna
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Vocabulary Builder The following vocabulary builder gives definitions of words used in this chapter that have not been defined in previous chapters: Amphetamine: A powerful central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic. Amphetamine has multiple mechanisms of action including blocking uptake of adrenergics and dopamine, stimulation of release of monamines, and inhibiting monoamine oxidase. Amphetamine is also a drug of abuse and a psychotomimetic. The l- and the d,l-forms are included here. The l-form has less central nervous system activity but stronger cardiovascular effects. The d-form is dextroamphetamine. [NIH] Aphasia: Defect or loss of the power of expression by speech, writing, or signs, or of comprehending spoken or written language, due to injury or disease of the brain centres. [EU] Bacteria: Unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms which generally possess rigid cell walls, multiply by cell division, and exhibit three principal forms: round or coccal, rodlike or bacillary, and spiral or spirochetal. [NIH] Biochemical: Relating to biochemistry; characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms. [EU] Chorea: The ceaseless occurrence of a wide variety of rapid, highly complex, jerky movements that appear to be well coordinated but are performed involuntarily. [EU] Chronic: Persisting over a long period of time. [EU] Dyskinesia: Impairment of the power of voluntary movement, resulting in fragmentary or incomplete movements. [EU] Genotype: The genetic constitution of the individual; the characterization of the genes. [NIH] Glucose: D-glucose, a monosaccharide (hexose), C6H12O6, also known as dextrose (q.v.), found in certain foodstuffs, especially fruits, and in the normal blood of all animals. It is the end product of carbohydrate metabolism and is the chief source of energy for living organisms, its utilization being controlled by insulin. Excess glucose is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles for use as needed and, beyond that, is converted to fat and stored as adipose tissue. Glucose appears in the urine in diabetes mellitus. [EU] Hyperplasia: The abnormal multiplication or increase in the number of normal cells in normal arrangement in a tissue. [EU] Idiopathic: Of the nature of an idiopathy; self-originated; of unknown causation. [EU]
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Infusion: The therapeutic introduction of a fluid other than blood, as saline solution, solution, into a vein. [EU] Intravenous: Within a vein or veins. [EU] Puberty: The period during which the secondary sex characteristics begin to develop and the capability of sexual reproduction is attained. [EU] Receptor: 1. a molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., cell-surface receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and cytoplasmic receptors for steroid hormones. 2. a sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds. [EU] Schizophrenia: A severe emotional disorder of psychotic depth characteristically marked by a retreat from reality with delusion formation, hallucinations, emotional disharmony, and regressive behavior. [NIH] Sclerosis: A induration, or hardening; especially hardening of a part from inflammation and in diseases of the interstitial substance. The term is used chiefly for such a hardening of the nervous system due to hyperplasia of the connective tissue or to designate hardening of the blood vessels. [EU] Tone: 1. the normal degree of vigour and tension; in muscle, the resistance to passive elongation or stretch; tonus. 2. a particular quality of sound or of voice. 3. to make permanent, or to change, the colour of silver stain by chemical treatment, usually with a heavy metal. [EU] Toxin: A poison; frequently used to refer specifically to a protein produced by some higher plants, certain animals, and pathogenic bacteria, which is highly toxic for other living organisms. Such substances are differentiated from the simple chemical poisons and the vegetable alkaloids by their high molecular weight and antigenicity. [EU]
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PART II: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND ADVANCED MATERIAL
ABOUT PART II In Part II, we introduce you to additional resources and advanced research on stuttering. All too often, patients who conduct their own research are overwhelmed by the difficulty in finding and organizing information. The purpose of the following chapters is to provide you an organized and structured format to help you find additional information resources on stuttering. In Part II, as in Part I, our objective is not to interpret the latest advances on stuttering or render an opinion. Rather, our goal is to give you access to original research and to increase your awareness of sources you may not have already considered. In this way, you will come across the advanced materials often referred to in pamphlets, books, or other general works. Once again, some of this material is technical in nature, so consultation with a professional familiar with stuttering is suggested.
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CHAPTER 4. STUDIES ON STUTTERING Overview Every year, academic studies are published on stuttering or related conditions. Broadly speaking, there are two types of studies. The first are peer reviewed. Generally, the content of these studies has been reviewed by scientists or physicians. Peer-reviewed studies are typically published in scientific journals and are usually available at medical libraries. The second type of studies is non-peer reviewed. These works include summary articles that do not use or report scientific results. These often appear in the popular press, newsletters, or similar periodicals. In this chapter, we will show you how to locate peer-reviewed references and studies on stuttering. We will begin by discussing research that has been summarized and is free to view by the public via the Internet. We then show you how to generate a bibliography on stuttering and teach you how to keep current on new studies as they are published or undertaken by the scientific community.
The Combined Health Information Database The Combined Health Information Database summarizes studies across numerous federal agencies. To limit your investigation to research studies and stuttering, you will need to use the advanced search options. First, go to http://chid.nih.gov/index.html. From there, select the “Detailed Search” option (or go directly to that page with the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html). The trick in extracting studies is found in the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the
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format option “Journal Article.” At the top of the search form, select the number of records you would like to see (we recommend 100) and check the box to display “whole records.” We recommend that you type in “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. Consider using the option “anywhere in record” to make your search as broad as possible. If you want to limit the search to only a particular field, such as the title of the journal, then select this option in the “Search in these fields” drop box. The following is a sample of what you can expect from this type of search: ·
Anxiety and Stuttering: Exploring a Complex Relationship Source: American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 8(1): 3-10. February 1999. Contact: Available from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Product Sales, 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. (888) 498-6699. TTY (301) 897-0157. Website: www.asha.org. Summary: This article revisits the debate on the role of anxiety in stuttering. The authors hope to rekindle an interest in exploring why, despite considerable evidence of a relationship between anxiety and stuttering, the nature of that relationship has not been identified. The article begins with a brief review of the literature in this area. The authors then expand on Ingham's (1984) idea that some of the positive findings are methodologically flawed; consequently, the researchers may have missed critical variables or associations between variables. The authors suggest that there are other methodological issues that have not been addressed in research to date and that this situation has led to a systematic bias against positive findings. Topics include the construct of anxiety, subject numbers, treatment status of subjects, speaking tasks, and trait anxiety measures. The authors conclude that contemporary cognitive behavioral treatment procedures need to be examined more thoroughly in light of the current view of the construct of anxiety. It is important to incorporate the beliefs of people who stutter, their families and their clinicians about the importance of anxiety in stuttering. 55 references.
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Stroke-Associated Stuttering Source: Archives of Neurology. 56(5): 624-627. May 1999. Contact: Available from American Medical Association. Subscriber Services, P.O. Box 10946, Chicago, IL 60610-0946. (800) 262-3250 or (312) 670-7827. Fax (312) 464-5831. E-mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.ama-assn.org/neuro.
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Summary: This article discusses a series of patients whose stuttering speech is associated with stroke. The study was a four case series with follow up for 5 years, or until the stuttering resolved. Four patients are discussed; each developed stuttering speech in association with an acute ischemic stroke. A 68 year old man developed acute stuttering following a large left middle cerebral artery distribution stroke. A 59 year old man who had stuttered as a child began to stutter 2 months after a left temporal lobe infarction, just as his nonfluent aphasia was improving. Another childhood stutterer, a 59 year old, originally left handed, man developed severe but transient stuttering with a right parietal infarction. A 55 year old man with a left occipital infarction had a right hemianopia and an acquired stutter, for which he was anosognosic (unaware it was happening). The authors conclude that the clinical presentation of stroke associated stuttering is variable, as are the locations of the implicated infarctions. 3 figures. 17 references. (AA-M). ·
Is the Basis of Stuttering Genetic? Source: ASHA. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 40(1): 29-32. Winter 1998. Summary: In this article, the author reports on his research on the development of stuttering, including the role of genetics. The recent findings indicate that stuttering may be, at least in part, genetically determined. In addition, there is a high (more than two-thirds) rate of spontaneous recovery. Because of these findings, the author proposes modifying the concept of early intervention for all children who stutter. The author outlines the historical perspective of genetic research in stuttering, and then describes the present research being undertaken. The authors stresses that it is difficult to separate the influence of genes and their interaction with the environment. Some factors are difficult to classify as genetic or environmental. The author concludes with a discussion of ethical factors surrounding privacy issues and genetic counseling.
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Culture-Based Considerations in Programming for Stuttering Intervention with African American Clients and Their Families Source: Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools. 29(3): 172179. July 1998. Summary: This article describes a clinical framework that may be used with African American children who stutter and with their families. The authors discuss the clinical importance of culture-based factors such as myths, oral presentation styles, narrative discourse styles, and cognitive learning styles, as well as rules for interaction and turn taking. These
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factors are considered as they relate to the various stages in the evaluation and treatment of stuttering in black children. Beginning at the intake and pre-intervention levels, clinicians should consider cultural variables and continue to incorporate culture-based content and strategies into the intervention process until carryover and generalization of therapy results have been achieved. Culture considerations are of particular importance to the process of parent client counseling; cultural factors relative to the entire family unit should be integrated into this process. The factors that should be considered are: cultural identification, age and gender, and communication norms (pre-intervention level); general disorder typing, specific cultural variables related to stuttering, myths, attitudes, terminology, and beliefs (intake level); nonverbal behaviors, verbal language and interaction, visual stimuli, cognitive learning styles, parent-child interaction styles, and client clinical interaction style (evaluation level); rule for interaction, the family unit, and the importance of language spoken in the home (parent-client counseling level); building culture-based factors into therapy goals and techniques (treatment level); and utilizing the home unit, peers, and the client (carryover or generalization level). 2 appendices. 1 figure. 26 references. (AA-M). ·
Stuttering: A Brief Review Source: American Family Physician. 57(9): 2175-2178. May 1, 1998. Contact: Available from American Academy of Family Physicians. 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, KS 66211-2672. (800) 274-2237. Website: www.aafp.org. Summary: This article provides an update of the diagnosis of and therapy for stuttering, a common disorder that usually resolves by adulthood. The authors begin with a discussion of the etiology of stuttering, noting that this is an area of controversy. The prevailing theories point to measurable neurophysical dysfunctions that disrupt the precise timing required to produce speech. Almost 80 percent of children who stutter recover fluency by the age of 16 years. Mild stuttering is self-limited, but more severe stuttering requires speech therapy, which is the mainstay of treatment. Delayed auditory feedback and computer-assisted training are currently used to help slow down speech and control other speech mechanisms. Pharmacologic therapy is seldom used, although haloperidol has been somewhat effective. The article concludes with the toll free telephone number of the Stuttering Foundation of America (800992-9392). 2 tables. 16 references. (AA).
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Early Intervention with Early Childhood Stuttering: A Critical Examination of the Data Source: American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 6(2): 8-18. May 1997. Summary: This article addresses some of the controversies surrounding early intervention with early childhood stuttering. There is considerable disagreement about the necessity of treating every child who stutters as soon as possible, after the onset of stuttering, and about the risks involved if treatment is postponed. Central to the controversy are two issues: the discrepancy between the incidence and prevalence of stuttering; and the efficacy of early identification and treatment of childhood stuttering. The authors examine each of these issues, discuss implications for clinical service providers, and suggest ways of resolving the controversy in a professionally responsible manner. The authors also discuss the historical perspective, prevention efforts, research needs, and ethical issues. The author concludes that there must be a strong and widespread commitment to research, in order to obtain the scientific data needed to demonstrate that only those procedures that are necessary and effective will be provided to children who stutter and to their families. 60 references. (AA-M).
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Language Production Abilities of Children Whose Stuttering Persisted or Recovered Source: Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. 40(2): 385399. April 1997. Summary: This article reports on a study that evaluated the language production capabilities of 32 young children whose stuttering followed divergent paths. One group whose stuttering persisted, one group who stuttered relatively briefly and recovered, and one group who stuttered for a longer period prior to recovery. Three indices of language production (mean length of utterance, number of different words, and number of total words) were obtained from spontaneous language samples. Measures of language production were calculated from samples collected at an initial visit near stuttering onset and at a one-year followup visit. Results revealed that the majority of the children who stuttered performed within the average range on these measures of language production. One child, a child whose stuttering persisted, consistently performed below the average range on all measures. Comparison of the three groups reveal greater variability, as well as atypical patterns of development, in the language production skills of children whose stuttering persisted. The authors conclude that, although language production deficits do not appear to be widespread in children who
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stutter, examination of individual patterns of performance is central to clarifying the developmental relationship between language proficiency and the production of fluent speech. 9 figures. 2 tables. 54 references. (AA-M). ·
Genetics of Stuttering: A Critical Review Source: Journal of Speech and Hearing Research. 39(4): 771-784. August 1996. Summary: The fact that stuttering runs in families has been documented over a long period and has led to speculation and research about the role of a genetic component to this disorder. Although genetic factors cannot be proved by familial aggregation and twin studies alone, such research has provided support for a relationship between stuttering and genetics. This article reviews and critiques the research in this area. The authors assess research methodologies employed in familial studies of stuttering. They then review and critique incidence, twin, and aggregation studies. The authors also discuss subgroups, genetic models of stuttering, and implications for future research, as well as for clinical work. The authors emphasize that failure to consider epidemiologic factors has probably biased previous results regarding the genetics of stuttering. Preliminary data also appear to provide evidence that spontaneous recovery and chronicity are influenced by genetic factors. 1 figure. 1 table. 92 references. (AA-M).
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Treatment Efficacy: Stuttering Source: Journal of Speech and Hearing Research (JSHR). 39(5): S18-S26. October 1996. Summary: This article reviews treatment efficacy for stuttering in children, teenagers, and adults. Available evidence indicates that individuals who stutter benefit from the services of speech-language pathologists, but it is also apparent that determining the outcome of stuttering treatment is neither easy nor simple. Whereas considerable research has documented the positive influence of treatment on stuttering frequency and behavior, far less attention has been paid to the effects of treatment on the daily activities of people who stutter and on their families. The author concludes that it seems reasonable to suggest that the outcomes of treatment for many people who stutter are positive and should become increasingly so with advances in applied as well as basic research. 84 references. (AA-M).
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Stuttering Includes Both Within-Word and Between-Word Disfluencies Source: Journal of Speech and Hearing Research. 38(2): 382-386. April 1995. Summary: A growing practice divides stuttered disfluencies from normal disfluencies by defining the former as 'within-word' and the latter as 'between-word.' After reviewing the available logical and empirical evidence, the authors of this brief article conclude that the unstated implications of a strong form of this definition (that no between-word disfluencies are stuttering and that all within-word disfluencies are stuttering) cannot currently be supported. The authors believe that a weaker form of this definition might prove useful for the definition and measurement of stuttering, but only if such a definition can be both internally consistent and consistent with available clinical and empirical information. 33 references. (AA).
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Clinicians Discuss Role of Fluency Devices in Stuttering Therapy Source: Advance for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. 5(18): 6-7,15. May 8, 1995. Contact: Available from Merion Publications, Inc. 650 Park Avenue, Box 61556, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0956. (800) 355-1088 or (610) 265-7812. Summary: In this article, from a professional newsletter for speech language pathologists and audiologists, the author interviews speechlanguage pathologists, consumer advocates, and people who stutter about the use of fluency devices as an intervention for stuttering. Topics covered include the history of fluency devices; different schools of thought regarding therapy for people who stutter; teaching fluency modification; patient selection issues for fluency devices; guidelines for the treatment of stuttering; utilizing fluency devices with children; computer-aided fluency establishment and training; the DAF device, which causes speakers to hear their voice as they're speaking; the Cafet system, a computer program that teachers proper breathing and voice onset; the use of electronic metronomes to pace speech and reduce stuttering; and the activities of the National Stuttering Association. The article concludes the addresses and telephone numbers of the people interviewed. 2 figures.
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Stuttering Modification and Changes in Phonation: Observations on Findings From Recent Reports Source: Journal of Speech and Hearing Research. 37(2): 343-345. April 1994.
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Summary: Since the early 1970s there has been interest in the role of certain speech production parameters in 'fluency-inducing' and stuttering treatment procedures for stuttering. The authors of this article offer some observations on recent Journal of Speech and Hearing Research papers on this topic and suggest that part of the reason for the lack of clarity in the findings might result from the use of descriptive rather than experimental research methods. Topics covered include a 1992 article on stuttering frequency; 1992 research on the changes in various acoustic measures of unmatched utterances in the pre-and post-treatment spontaneous speech of 10 children who stuttered; and 1990 research that illustrated the potential importance of individualized data in assessing the role of phonation changes to changes in stuttering frequency. 14 references. ·
Ongoing Assessment in the Management of Stuttering: A Clinical Perspective Source: American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 2(1): 24-37. 1993. Summary: A rationale is offered supporting the need for ongoing or timeseries assessment in the treatment of stuttering. Several measurement strategies and their reliability/validity are reviewed. An example of timeseries assessment in clinical treatment is provided. Finally, some frequently voiced concerns regarding the theory and validity of measurement in the treatment of stuttering are discussed (AA).
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Future of Behavior Modification of Stuttering: What Goes Around Comes Around Source: Journal of Fluency Disorders. Volume 18: 81-108. 1993. Summary: This journal article, written for health professionals, provides an overview of the evolution of therapies used for stuttering and a review of the literature on behavior modification and stuttering. It describes the future possibilities of behavior modification and stuttering. The author indicates that researchers have barely scratched the theoretical implications of behavior modification for stuttering. The author describes innovative ways of combining reward and punishment that might make it practical to incorporate both procedures in treating stuttering behavior. Bibliographic references are included.
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Current Status of Stuttering and Behavior Modification, I: Recent Trends in the Application of Behavior Modification in Children and Adults Source: Journal of Fluency Disorders. Volume 18: 27-55. 1993.
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Summary: This article, written for health professionals, provides an overview of the behavior modification research in stuttering that has been published since about 1980. The author also provides two tables, one of some multidimensional treatments and their components, and one including studies utilizing perceptual threshold and behavioral definitions of stuttering. Bibliographic references are provided.
Federally-Funded Research on Stuttering The U.S. Government supports a variety of research studies relating to stuttering and associated conditions. These studies are tracked by the Office of Extramural Research at the National Institutes of Health.18 CRISP (Computerized Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) is a searchable database of federally-funded biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other institutions. Visit the CRISP Web site at http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket. You can perform targeted searches by various criteria including geography, date, as well as topics related to stuttering and related conditions. For most of the studies, the agencies reporting into CRISP provide summaries or abstracts. As opposed to clinical trial research using patients, many federally-funded studies use animals or simulated models to explore stuttering and related conditions. In some cases, therefore, it may be difficult to understand how some basic or fundamental research could eventually translate into medical practice. The following sample is typical of the type of information found when searching the CRISP database for stuttering: ·
Project Title: (Para)Linguistic Factors Affecting Childhood Stuttering Principal Investigator & Institution: Yaruss, J S.; Communication Sci & Disorders; University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh 4200 5Th Ave Pittsburgh, Pa 15260 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-MAY-2000; Project End 0-APR2005 Summary: This research will evaluate several widely held but largely untested assumptions underlying current theory and clinical practice in
18 Healthcare projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Office of Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH).
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childhood stuttering. These assumptions are based on the notion that children's production of various types of speech disruptions (speech errors, normal disfluencies, and stuttered disfluencies) are influenced by certain characteristics of their speech, such as the length and complexity of their utterances (linguistic characteristics), and their speaking rate and response latency (paralinguistic characteristics). The research design includes five studies that will systematically evaluate the relationship between children's speech characteristics and their production of speech errors, normal disfluencies, and stuttered disfluencies by measuring change in children's fluency while experimentally manipulating: (a) children's utterance length and syntactic complexity (Study l), (b) children's speaking rate and response latency (Study 2), and (c) children's conversational partner's speech characteristics (Study 3). in addition to examining factors that affect children's fluency, this research will evaluate explanations for the underlying cause of speech disfluencies proposed in recent theories and attempt to objectively differentiate between disfluencies judged to be normal vs. stuttered, based on the acoustic characteristics of the moment of speech interruption (Study 4). Finally, to more fully examine the role speech motor abilities play in children's production of speech disfluencies, children who stutter and children who do not stutter will be compared in terms of the rate, accuracy, and fluency of their oral motor movements in an expanded diadochokinetic task (Study 5). Results from these studies will help evaluate and refine prominent theories of stuttering by evaluating key assumptions about the factors affecting children's fluency and by examining the differences between normal and stuttered disfluencies. Results will also help improve the diagnosis and treatment of children who stutter by helping clinicians evaluate different types of speech disruptions most indicative of stuttering and by evaluating several assumptions at the heart of prevailing treatments for childhood stuttering. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Developmental Trends of Early Childhood Stuttering Principal Investigator & Institution: Yairi, Ehud; Professor; Psychology; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Henry Administration Bldg Champaign, Il 61820 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-JUN-1989; Project End 0-NOV2001 Summary: The objective of this proposal is to bring to completion the only large- scale data-based longitudinal investigation of the pathognomonic development of childhood stuttering with special
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reference to differentiating two subgroups: those exhibiting persistent, chronic stuttering, and those exhibiting spontaneous remission. The specific aims are to test the hypotheses that (a) persistent and recovered stuttering reflect different genetic liabilities; (b) persistent stuttering is linked to deficits or differences in other development areas, including motor speech, language, phonologic, and cognitive capacities, and (c) the two subgroups can be differentiated at an early stage. Analysis of longitudinal data on the formative stages of stuttering will respond to several important needs. First, data concerning the genetic basis, as well as other epidemiologic aspects, will provide a solid foundation for theoretical models of the disorder. Second, subgrouping of stuttering will greatly improve precision of all research in the area. Third, the data will facilitate early diagnosis of stuttering and will allow prediction of HighRisk, Low-Risk, and No- Risk for chronic stuttering. Fourth, it will provide a scientific basis for timing of clinical intervention, as well as for differential treatment at each stage. The ongoing longitudinal study of more than 150 stuttering children, extending from onset through a period of 6 years, will be completed. Multiple characteristics of the subjects and their families will be observed, tested, and/or recorded periodically. The rate, magnitude, and timing of remission and persistency will be determined. Data from familial pedigrees,medical and developmental records, analyses of stuttering from audio and video recordings, acoustic analyses of temporal speech features, tests of phonologic, linguistic and motoric skills, nonverbal cognitive functions, and other areas, will be used to compare persistent with recovered subjects and with 50 control subjects. By applying various statistical methods to data obtained from subjects at frequent intervals, it will be possible to discern subgroups that emerge along diverging developmental trends and determine factors governing them. By progressively retracing group data to early testing sessions, it will be possible to identify criteria for early estimates for remission or for a chronic disorder. Comparisons of pedigree data against genetic models will test the inheritance factor. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Dynamic Aspects of Respiratory Control in Stuttering Principal Investigator & Institution: Denny, Margaret; Assistant Professor; Communication Disorders; Boston University 121 Bay State Rd Boston, Ma 02215 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-APR-1999; Project End 1-MAR2003 Summary: Disruptions of breathing in persons who stutter (PWS) have been documented since 1931 (7); they have been associated with
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perceptually fluent and stuttered speech and with nonspeech tasks. Yet there has been little recent investigation of respiratory control in PWS, and its contribution to the etiology of stuttering is unknown. The research proposed here is designed to increase understanding of the place of respiration within a multifactorial model of stuttering (80, 81, 83, 104). Identification of aspects of respiratory control associated with high risk for disfluency is seen as prerequisite for delineating the interaction of respiration with other variables which also play a role in the development and maintenance of stuttering. The research proposed here is designed to address three broad questions: 1) In normal speakers, what happens to known instabilities in the control of life-support breathing when speech is initiated? How do these instabilities affect stuttering speakers? 2) Does a general inability to take control of respiration characterize the motor systems of persons who stutter? 3) Is respiratory control in PWS more reactive to arousal associated with cognitive and emotional processing? For all of these questions, preliminary data implicate dynamic processes, thus, there is an emphasis on tasks that impose timing constraints, and on analyses that go beyond long-term averages to look at how respiratory control processes change over time in both normal and stuttering speakers. Among therapies in current use, the status of respiratory control ranges from major focus to nonexistent (20). Improved understanding of the role of respiration in stuttering has the potential to effect major change in the practice of therapy for this disorder, which affects approximately 1 percent of the adult population worldwide. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Investigating the Neural Bases of Chronic Stuttering Principal Investigator & Institution: Ingham, Roger J.; Professor; Community and Org Res Inst; University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, Ca 93106 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-DEC-1998; Project End 0-NOV2001 Summary: The overall objective of this research program is to develop, validate and utilize (e.g., for treatment research) a system-level model of chronic developmental stuttering. This proposal is the product of a fiveyear collaboration between the PI and Co-PI that is based on the integration of fluency induction (PI's expertise) with functional (PET) and anatomical (MRI) neuroimaging (Co-PI's expertise) Through this collaboration, stuttering and induced fluency have been studied in a single population (men who stutter and experience fluency during chorus reading), with a single speech task (oral reading) and with a single
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fluency inducting procedure (chorus reading). From these data, focal physiological abnormalities have been identified (Fox et al., 1996), confirmed to be state rather than trait abnormalities (Ingham et al., 1996), strongly associated with stuttering through performance correlation analysis, and modeled as a system of weighted, regional intercorrelations (see C.3). We now propose to test the generality of these findings by applying this integrative mapping and modeling strategy to additional populations, to an additional speech task, and with an additional fluency inducing procedure. The following hypotheses guide this proposal. Hypothesis One: Stuttered speech is characterized by a consistent pattern of abnormal activations/deactivations of motor/auditory regions. That is, the observations of our previous study (Fox et al. 1996) will generalize across populations and across speech tasks. Hypothesis Two: Stuttered speech is characterized by a stable pattern of interregional instructs that depict the neural system associated with stuttering. That is, the regional intercorrelations mapping a neural system of stuttering that were developed in our prior studies will generalize across populations and across speech tasks. Three experiments are planned to test these hypotheses. Each experiment is supported by preliminary research. The investigators' preliminary research has clearly demonstrated regional abnormal activations in the motor and auditory system during stuttering that are (largely) normalized during fluency induction. Performance correlations analyses (see below) strongly support Hypothesis One. A nascent system model derived from regional intercorrelation matrix analyses offers the basis for Hypothesis Two. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Neurobiologic Substrates of Stuttering Principal Investigator & Institution: Foundas, Anne L.; Associate Professor; Psychiatry and Neurology; Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, La 70118 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-JAN-1997; Project End 1-DEC2001 Summary: The candidate proposes a five year period of support to permit h to develop her research skills so that she may become an independent research scientist capable of utilizing sophisticated techniques to perform quantitativ analyses of MRI data. In this proposal she will employ these techniques to investigate the neurobiologic substrate of stuttering, but she suggests that t techniques may ultimately be used to address a variety of brain-behavior relations in clinical populations. Specific aspects of the proposal which warrant attention include the following: The major focus of research has been the attempt to define the anatomic basis
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cognitive and other brain functions by means of the quantitative analysis of M images. She lists 8 publications in peer-reviewed journals, 3 manuscripts currently In Press and 4 manuscripts under review. She is first author of 6 o the published/in press manuscripts. Research Program (modified from the PI's Specific Aims): The major goal of th project is to study neuroanatomic models of stuttering. To achieve these goal the PI proposes to conduct four experiments that investigate the relationship behavioral asymmetries in people who stutter and nonstutterers. Experiment 1 will investigate the relationship of speech production to asymmetries in anterior perisylvian speech-language regions (pars triangularis pars opercularis). Experiment 2 will investigate the relationship between speech perception asymmetries in posterior speechlanguage regions (planum temporale). Experiment 3 will investigate the relationship between motor dexterity and asymmetries in cortical and subcortical motor regions (central suclus, globus plallidus). Experiments 1, 2, and 3 will be limited to consistent right handers. As hand preference may be an important independent variable, left handed stutterers and left handed nonstutterers will be investigated in Experiment 4 using the same measures to be employed in Experiments 1, 2, and 3. This project will focus on cerebral dominance in stutterers. The major postulate of the study is that people who stutter have anatomic and behavioral anomalies of dominance. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Neuromotor Basis of Stuttering Principal Investigator & Institution: Mcclean, Michael D.; Speech Scientist; Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/Med the Advancement of Military Med Bethesda, Md 20814 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-MAY-1999; Project End 0-APR2004 Summary: The general goals of the proposed research are an enhanced understanding of the neuromotor basis of stuttering and the development of improved forms of speech therapy for persons who stutter. The problem of stuttering can reasonably be viewed as a motor disorder. From this perspective, speech disfluency is likely to be the result of the interaction of several forms of neural input to pattern generating circuitry within the motor systems of the brain. Such input involves, for example, systems in the brain that mediate phonetic pattern selection (i.e. the particular sounds we produce), emotional response, and speech rate or how fast we speak. Given the complexity of this overall system, it is logical that we develop improved methods for evaluating speech pattern generating function while controlling for these different
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sources of input. This approach is taken in the present research through analyses of orofacial movements and voice acoustics. A central issue in the study of pattern generating function for speech concerns how different muscle systems (e.g., tongue and jaw) are controlled and coordinated. This general issue will be studied through analysis of orofacial movements and voice acoustics in individuals with a history of stuttering and a group of normal speakers. An electromagnetic system will be used to record displacements of the upper lip, lower lip, jaw, and tongue while subjects repeat a limited set of speech utterances at varying rates and vocal intensities. A wide range of clinical-behavioral measures of speech performance will be obtained in stutterer subjects. A general hypothesis underlying much of the work is that there are subgroups of individuals whose pattern generating function for speech reflects different motor strategies, and these strategies have varying levels of inherent stability or propensity for disfluency. This and related hypotheses will be addressed in relation to investigations concerning (1) the association of orofacial and voice acoustic measures in normal speakers, (2) the association of speech motor output to clinical-behavioral measures of speech performance in persons who stutter, (3) the effects of speech therapy on speech motor output, (4) the existence of speech motor subgroups, and (5) the temporal-spatial characteristics of orofacial movements and voice acoustics during disfluency. Work on these various problems should lead to an improved basis for clinical categorization of persons who stutter, better understanding of the changes in motor performance associated with speech therapy, and a broad data base for computational modeling of speech motor control and simulation of the mechanisms of speech disfluency. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Physiological Correlates of Stuttering Principal Investigator & Institution: Smith, Anne; Professor; Audiology and Speech Sciences; Purdue University West Lafayette 1076 Freeshafer Hall West Lafayette, in 47907 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-DEC-1988; Project End 0-NOV2004 Summary: Stuttering is a disorder of speech with a prevalence estimated to be 1% of the world's population. It is often a significant communicative problem for the individual, limiting educational and employment opportunities and social and psychological adjustment. The etiology of stuttering is unknown, and treatment strategies and outcomes are highly variable. A major impediment to understanding the etiology of stuttering and to the development of successful therapeutic techniques is the lack of
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understanding of the physiological bases of the disorder. Stuttering manifests itself as a breakdown in speech motor processes. The complex factors known to affect the occurrence of stuttering, including psychosocial, cognitive, and linguistic variables, must ultimately have an effect on the physiological events necessary for the production of speech. Therefore, to understand stuttering it is essential to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying disruptions of speech motor processes in stuttering. The experiments proposed in this application addresses the role of linguistic processing in stuttering by taking a new approach, one that focuses on the neurophysiology of the perception and the production of linguistic stimuli. Averaged electrical responses of the brain to linguistic stimuli will be used to explore the linguistic processing abilities of children and adults who stutter. These experiments will determine if people who stutter have atypical neural subsystems for language even when they are only listening to words and not producing them. In another set of experiments the same participants will produce utterances that are designed to challenge linguistic planning and production processes for speech. The results of these experiments will provide major progress toward understanding the multiple factors that influence stuttering in children and adults. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Preschool Stuttering: Measurement/Treatment/Recovery Principal Investigator & Institution: Cordes Bothe, Anne K.; School of Professional Studies; University of Georgia Athens, Ga 30602 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 0-FEB-2002; Project End 1-DEC2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): Stuttering is a disorder of speech production that can interfere significantly with communication and therefore with social, educational, vocational, and most other life activities. It is widely acknowledged that children are more likely to recover from stuttering than adults, but whether their recovery should be attributed to the nature of the disorder, to naturally occurring environmental factors, or to parent- or clinician administered treatment remains a much more difficult question to answer. The studies to be completed under this grant, therefore, will focus on the relationships among measurement, judge training, treatment, and recovery for preschool children who stutter, under two specific aims: I. Measurement systems for the speech of children who stutter will be developed and validated; and II. The parameters and the effects of parent-administered consequences for young children's stuttering will be evaluated. Studies to be conducted under Specific Aim I will identify exemplars of preschool
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children's stuttered and nonstuttered speech, based on the repeated judgments of 10 internationally recognized, authoritative judges; adapt an existing computer-driven response-contingent judge-training program to use the obtained exemplars of children's speech, and determine whether the resulting Child Training program is necessary and sufficient for training judges to provide valid and reliable data about children's stuttering; and develop an internet-available version of the Training program to compare results from students, clinicians, and parents in multiple sites. Studies to be conducted under Specific Aim II will then make use of the measurement training program and the external measurement validation system, as developed under Specific Aim I, to determine whether children who appear to recover from their stuttering without formal treatment receive more speech-related consequences from their parents than do children who do not recover; to compare the effectiveness, effects, and efficiency of three parent-training, parentadministered treatment programs for young children's stuttering; and to determine whether maintenance results are similar for children who recover from their stuttering with and without clinician-directed intervention. Together, the studies to be conducted under this grant should have substantial impact both on the discipline's knowledge about stuttering and on the management options that can be recommended to parents as well-supported choices for their children. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Stuttering and Disordered Phonology in Children Principal Investigator & Institution: Conture, Edward G.; Professor; Hearing and Speech Sciences; Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tn 37240 Timing: Fiscal Year 2001; Project Start 1-JUL-1996; Project End 1-DEC2001 Summary: (Adapted from the investigator s abstract): The percentage (3040%) of young children who stutter who also exhibit disordered phonology is far greater than the percentage (2-6%) of disordered phonology in the general population. Unfortunately, no completely satisfactory theory currently exists to account for the separate occurrence of either stuttering or disordered phonology, much less their common cooccurrence. It would appear, however, that their co-occurrence offers a unique window into the variables that may cause, exacerbate or maintain both disorders. One theory recently advanced for explaining stuttering is based on the model of normal fluent speech production developed by Levelt. This covert-repair hypothesis (CRH) suggests that the phonological encoding of children who stutter is impaired. This impairment is most problematic when these children make their
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phonological selections too rapidly. Due to these overly-rapid phonological selections, children who stutter are more apt to make selection errors, thus causing them to more frequently self-repair (selfcorrect), with resulting stutterings. The project seeks to assess differences between: (1) self-repairs in words with systematic (rule-governed) versus nonsystematic ("slips of the tongue") speech errors, (2) stutterings in words with versus without systematic speech errors, (3) syllable complexity in words with versus without non-systematic speech errors, (4) the ratio of self-repairs to nonsystematic speech errors in children who stutter versus children who do not stutter, and (5) nonsystematic speech errors and speech disfluencies associated with phonologically facilitated versus non-facilitated picture naming responses. Findings from these studies will have important theoretical implications for onset and development of stuttering, place stuttering within the broader context of normal and abnormal speech and language development, and inform diagnostic and treatment approaches for children who stutter. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Stuttering--A Linkage Analysis Principal Investigator & Institution: Cox, Nancy J.; Associate Professor; Human Genetics; University of Chicago 5801 S Ellis Ave Chicago, Il 60637 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-JUL-2000; Project End 0-JUN2004 Summary: Stuttering affects approximately 5 percent of children and can be a severe communication disorder. Family studies by the current team of speech scientists and geneticists during the past decade have provided convincing evidence that genetic factors influence the transmission of stuttering, but the identification of such genes remains elusive. We propose to localize genes influencing susceptibility to stuttering as a first step to their specific identification. Thus, we established an international collaboration, including investigators from the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois, Tel Aviv University, Israel, and Helsingborg Hospital, Sweden to enable the collection of data on the heterogeneous U.S. population, as well as more homogeneous populations from Sweden, Israel, and U. S. Hutterites. Specifically, we propose to collect data on approximately 1500 individuals from approximately 300 families (200 or more from the U. S., 50-75 from Israel and 25-50 from Sweden) and to genotype these samples for approximately 400 highly polymorphic DNA markers (10 cM map). We have already identified a large pedigree from the Hutterite genealogy, which contains 31 individuals with a history of stuttering, and a full genome scan (386
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markers) has already been completed in 63 of the 127 members of this pedigree. We will conduct linkage analyses of the data from the outbred samples (U. S., Swedish, and Israeli) using multipoint parametric linkage analysis (with parameters derived from the single major locus model identified in segregation analyses of stuttering) as well as robust, allelesharing multipoint linkage analysis. Similarly, we will conduct both parametric and robust linkage analyses in the Hutterite pedigree, as well as linkage analyses, such as homozygosity by descent mapping, and genome-wide transmission/disequilibrium tests, that are uniquely suited to the Hutterites. Preliminary studies have established the feasibility of the project, including collection and shipment of 250 blood samples (Israel, Sweden, and the U. S.), extraction of DNA, genotyping, and linkage analysis. Successful localization of genetic variation influencing susceptibility to stuttering would have enormous implications for research and treatment of stuttering, and for genetic studies of other complex disorders, especially those affecting speech and communication. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Fluency Enhancement Device Principal Investigator & Institution: Bickley, Corine; Speech Technology/Applied Research Corp. Research Corporation Lexington, Ma 02421 Timing: Fiscal Year 2001; Project Start 1-JUN-2001; Project End 1-MAR2002 Summary: Clinical literature often mentions telephone use as one of the most stressful communication situations for the 1 percent of the population who stutter. We propose a device to modify stuttered speech spoken into a telephone. It uses phonetic classification technology to detect certain types of dysfluencies. The dysfluencies will be removed and real-time time-scale modification will be used to seamlessly lengthen fluent portions of the utterances to compensate. Listeners will assess the quality and intelligibility of dysfluent (unprocessed) and fluencyenhanced (processed) speech in listening experiments. The proposed device is a tool that persons who stutter may choose to use when they need to talk on the telephone with greater fluency. In addition to modifying speech, the device might also modestly reduce speaker anxiety, a commonly accepted factor in fluency improvement. It will prove especially useful for those whose employment depends on telephone use. Its value could also extend to international markets, and the device could be modified for other electronically mediated communication, such as public address systems. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: Surveys have shown that employers'
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attitudes about the way employees sound on the telephone affect employability and advancement; the effect is negative for persons who stutter. If successful, the proposed device will enable such persons to function more effectively in their work. The device may also qualify as a "reasonable accommodation" by the employer under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Mechanisms of Learning and Production of Birdsong Principal Investigator & Institution: Helekar, Santosh A.; Neurology; Baylor College of Medicine 1200 Moursund Ave Houston, Tx 77030 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 1-JAN-2002; Project End 1-DEC2004 Summary: Birdsong, a form of vocal communication used by songbirds such as zebra finches, is remarkably analogous to human speech in at least one important respect; its acquisition is dependent on an extended critical period of tumor-dependent learning during the early development phase of life. Understanding the neural control of birdsong might provided insights into the neural basis of human speech production and fluency disorders such as Stuttering. One of our longterm research goals is to develop animal models of salient of Stuttering, enabling to address the problem of understanding the neurobiology of this disorder from a cellular and molecular point of view. Studies in several laboratories have shown that the stability of birdsong is critically dependent on the integrity of auditory feedback, and that artificial delaying of this sensory feedback in normal adult zebra finches causes deterioration of song, characterized by abnormal repetitions of song syllables. The latter finding bears striking resemblance to the induction of part-word repetitions, a hallmark of Stuttering, by delayed auditory feedback in fluent humans Recent findings in our laboratory indicate that a small fraction of laboratory-bred adult male zebra finches produce at high frequencies, variant acoustic song profiles consisting of song syllable repetitions, and that the syntactic rule governing these profiles is selectively learned from syllable repeaters by offspring of non-repeaters, during the critical period for song development. Further, subsequent long-term exposure of the tutored repeaters to the songs of non-repeaters cause a decline in the among of repetitions within their song, reflecting a unique form of adult phase song plasticity. The present proposal attempts to extend the above studies, and to initiative an investigation of the neural mechanisms underlying song syllable repetitions and the postcritical period plasticity associated. The specific aims of the proposal are: (1) to study the relative contributions of parental lineage and tutor- pupil
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interaction in the learned acquisition by juvenile zebra finches of song syllable repetitions; (2) to examine the changes occurring in the songs of adult tutored song syllable repeaters following varying degrees of exposure to a social environment containing only non-repeaters; and (3) to investigate whether differences and changes in the abundance of song syllable repetitions within zebra finch song are associated with alterations in the ability of the neural song control circuit to generate oscillations of neuronal network activity. The experimental approach for the first two specific aims will involve selective breeding, cross-fostering and tutoring of zebra finches, and audio recording and acoustic analysis of their songs. For the third specific aim, it will involve in vitro (brain slice) electrophysiological recordings from song control nuclei of tutored repeaters and non-repeaters at various stages of learning and relearning. This proposal will enable us to initiate a long-term research program that is focused on developing and investigating songbird models of vocal disturbances, and on examining neural plasticity underlying recovery from these disturbances. These basic insights might contribute to the formulation of new hypotheses related to the understanding of the neural basis of human dysfluencies and their treatment. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Production Characteristics of Stutterers Fluent Speech Principal Investigator & Institution: Gracco, Vincent L.; Associate Professor; Haskins Laboratories 270 Crown St New Haven, Ct 06511 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000; Project Start 1-JUN-1997; Project End 1-MAY2002 Summary: (Adapted From The Investigator's Abstract): Speech production is an integrative process in which intent is transformed in to action though a series of sensorimotor operations. For most individuals, the speech production process operates smoothly. For persons who stutter (PWS), this process intermittently breaks down. Dysfluencies in speech output, characterized by sound/syllable repetition and/or lengthening, or complete blocks of speech output, disrupt the normal spatial and temporal patterning of movement. The reason or reasons why this apparent maladaptive communicative behavior is manifest in the population, and persists into adulthood is currently unknown. A controversy in the literature is whether and how PWS differ from persons who do not stutter. One possibility is that the speech production system of PWS is not different from those of nonstuttering individuals and stuttering is the secondary characteristic of higher level impairment (cognitive, linguistic, psychological). Alternatively, the locus of the problem is in the speech motor control systems of PWS and the higher
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level processes interact with unstable output system causing a breakdown of fluent speech. We suggest, based on the available literature that both possibilities exists and further, that most previous attempts to resolve this issue have to limited in scope and technique as to render definitive conclusions premature. In the present proposal, we will examine the performance of stuttering individuals along a number of dimensions reflecting a sampling of cognitive, linguistic, and sensorimotor capabilities. The empirical techniques include the kinematic examination of articulator motion, electromyographic analysis of orofacial muscle activity, the examination of responses to mechanical and auditory disruptions during speaking, reaction times associated with increasing linguistic complexity and attentional demands, and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging during language processing and production. The research focuses on both theoretical and practical issues in order to maximize the impact of the research on understanding the disorder. Many of the other investigations proposed will provide information on many of the important nervous system operations for communication and the manner in which they may be impaired in stuttering individuals. Other investigations will provide useful clinical information by describing the specific changes in speech production variables that accompany a number of clinical techniques known to reduce the frequency of stuttering. We also attempt to identify differences in movement variance functions preceding experimentallyinduced stuttering episodes to determine if these episodes can be predicted from an examination of fluent speech. Once identified, such variables could be used to predict the onset of stuttering episodes and ultimately in treating the disorder. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket ·
Project Title: Sensory Feedback Control Of Voice Principal Investigator & Institution: Larson, Charles R.; Professor; Northwestern University 303 E Chicago Ave Chicago, Il 60611 Timing: Fiscal Year 2000 Summary: All understanding of neural mechanisms controlling the larynx ad voice is an important health objective for the treatment and prevention of disorders affecting voice and speech. The present proposal will attempt to improve our understanding of the role of auditory feedback on voice pitch control. Normal adults, children, trained singers and adult stutterers will serve as subjects. Subjects will vocalize and receive their own voice through earphones as a source of feedback. The pitch and spectral content of the subject's voice will be experimentally manipulated to learn which aspects of the acoustical feedback signal are
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most important in the control of the voice pitch. Each variable, voice pitch and spectral content will be systematically and independently manipulated. Linear systems analysis utilizing sinusoidal modulation of voice pitch will be done in order to develop a transfer function of the system controlling voice pitch. Subjects will perform various vocal tasks to learn under which vocal conditions auditory feedback is most important. By learning how and under what conditions altered auditory feedback changes vocal output, we will learn how normal vocal output depends on auditory feedback. Comparison of the responses of normal adults with children will provide information on development on neural mechanisms related to control of voice pitch. Comparisons of responses of normal adults with trained singers will provide information on the limits of control of voice pitch in well trained singers. Comparisons of responses from normal adults with stutterers will provide information that may be important for the understanding of the etiology or treatment stuttering. We wish to test the hypotheses that (1) normal vocalization relies to some extent on auditory feedback, (2) control of voice pitch depends on feedback pitch of the auditory signal, (3) the magnitude of a pitch change in the subject's voice feedback influences the magnitude of a change in vocal output, (4) the more similar the spectral characteristics of the feedback are to the speaker's own voice, the stronger the effect of feedback will be, (5) under certain demanding vocal tasks, auditory feedback is more important than simpler tasks, (6) different subject groups rely more heavily on feedback for the control of voice of than others and (7) susceptibility to feedback interruption may be related to training, development or stuttering. Experiments on mechanical stimulation of laryngeal structures will be conducted in order to learn the most effective means of activating mechanical sensory receptors that reflexively modify laryngeal muscles. Eventually, knowledge from these experiments will be used to test models of neural dysfunction involving sensation in voice disordered patients. Website: http://commons.cit.nih.gov/crisp3/CRISP.Generate_Ticket
The National Library of Medicine: PubMed One of the quickest and most comprehensive ways to find academic studies in both English and other languages is to use PubMed, maintained by the National Library of Medicine. The advantage of PubMed over previously mentioned sources is that it covers a greater number of domestic and foreign
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references. It is also free to the public.19 If the publisher has a Web site that offers full text of its journals, PubMed will provide links to that site, as well as to sites offering other related data. User registration, a subscription fee, or some other type of fee may be required to access the full text of articles in some journals. To generate your own bibliography of studies dealing with stuttering, simply go to the PubMed Web site at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” The following is the type of output you can expect from PubMed for “stuttering” (hyperlinks lead to article summaries): ·
Use of methods of destabilization of a stable pathological state in the investigation and treatment of stuttering. Author(s): Andronova LZ, Lokhov MI. Source: Human Physiology. 1983 September-October; 9(5): 377-81. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db= PubMed&list_uids=6678793&dopt=Abstract
·
Utility of electromyographic biological feedback in chronic stuttering: a clinical study with follow-up. Author(s): Manschreck TC, Kalotkin M, Jacobson AM. Source: Percept Mot Skills. 1980 October; 51(2): 535-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db= PubMed&list_uids=7443374&dopt=Abstract
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Voice initiation and termination times in stuttering and nonstuttering children. Author(s): Cullinan WL, Springer MT. Source: Journal of Speech and Hearing Research. 1980 June; 23(2): 344-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db= PubMed&list_uids=7442195&dopt=Abstract
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Comments on paper: the long-term use of an automatically triggered masking device in the treatment of stammering. Author(s): Code C, Muller D.
PubMed was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The PubMed database was developed in conjunction with publishers of biomedical literature as a search tool for accessing literature citations and linking to full-text journal articles at Web sites of participating publishers. Publishers that participate in PubMed supply NLM with their citations electronically prior to or at the time of publication.
19
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Source: Br J Disord Commun. 1980 September; 15(2): 141-2. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db= PubMed&list_uids=7459248&dopt=Abstract ·
Current issues in the treatment of stammering. Author(s): Chapman R. Source: Int Rehabil Med. 1984; 6(3): 143-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db= PubMed&list_uids=6389392&dopt=Abstract
·
Hypnosis and speech therapy as a combined therapeutic approach to the problem of stammering. A study of thirty patients. Author(s): Lockhart MS, Robertson AW. Source: Br J Disord Commun. 1977 October; 12(2): 97-108. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db= PubMed&list_uids=588438&dopt=Abstract
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The effect of auditory feedback masking on concomitant movements of stammering. Author(s): Dewar A, Dewar AD, Anthony JF. Source: Br J Disord Commun. 1976 October; 11(2): 95-102. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db= PubMed&list_uids=974012&dopt=Abstract
Vocabulary Builder Accommodation: distances. [EU]
Adjustment, especially that of the eye for various
Analogous: Resembling or similar in some respects, as in function or appearance, but not in origin or development;. [EU] Anxiety: The unpleasant emotional state consisting of psychophysiological responses to anticipation of unreal or imagined danger, ostensibly resulting from unrecognized intrapsychic conflict. Physiological concomitants include increased heart rate, altered respiration rate, sweating, trembling, weakness, and fatigue; psychological concomitants include feelings of impending danger, powerlessness, apprehension, and tension. [EU]
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Atypical: Irregular; not conformable to the type; in microbiology, applied specifically to strains of unusual type. [EU] Audiology: The study of hearing and hearing impairment. [NIH] Cerebral: Of or pertaining of the cerebrum or the brain. [EU] Concomitant: Accompanying; accessory; joined with another. [EU] Cortex: The outer layer of an organ or other body structure, as distinguished from the internal substance. [EU] Cortical: Pertaining to or of the nature of a cortex or bark. [EU] Deprivation: Loss or absence of parts, organs, powers, or things that are needed. [EU] Desensitization: The prevention or reduction of immediate hypersensitivity reactions by administration of graded doses of allergen; called also hyposensitization and immunotherapy. [EU] Electrophysiological: Pertaining to electrophysiology, that is a branch of physiology that is concerned with the electric phenomena associated with living bodies and involved in their functional activity. [EU] Homogeneous: Consisting of or composed of similar elements or ingredients; of a uniform quality throughout. [EU] Induction: The act or process of inducing or causing to occur, especially the production of a specific morphogenetic effect in the developing embryo through the influence of evocators or organizers, or the production of anaesthesia or unconsciousness by use of appropriate agents. [EU] Larynx: An irregularly shaped, musculocartilaginous tubular structure, lined with mucous membrane, located at the top of the trachea and below the root of the tongue and the hyoid bone. It is the essential sphincter guarding the entrance into the trachea and functioning secondarily as the organ of voice. [NIH] Lobe: A more or less well-defined portion of any organ, especially of the brain, lungs, and glands. Lobes are demarcated by fissures, sulci, connective tissue, and by their shape. [EU] Localization: 1. the determination of the site or place of any process or lesion. 2. restriction to a circumscribed or limited area. 3. prelocalization. [EU] Mediate: Indirect; accomplished by the aid of an intervening medium. [EU] Molecular: Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules : a very small mass of matter. [EU] Neural: 1. pertaining to a nerve or to the nerves. 2. situated in the region of the spinal axis, as the neutral arch. [EU] Neurology: A medical specialty concerned with the study of the structures,
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functions, and diseases of the nervous system. [NIH] Neuronal: Pertaining to a neuron or neurons (= conducting cells of the nervous system). [EU] Neurophysiology: The scientific discipline concerned with the physiology of the nervous system. [NIH] Orofacial: Of or relating to the mouth and face. [EU] Parietal: 1. of or pertaining to the walls of a cavity. 2. pertaining to or located near the parietal bone, as the parietal lobe. [EU] Pharmacologic: Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. [EU] Polymorphic: Occurring in several or many forms; appearing in different forms at different stages of development. [EU] Posterior: Situated in back of, or in the back part of, or affecting the back or dorsal surface of the body. In lower animals, it refers to the caudal end of the body. [EU] Punishment: The application of an unpleasant stimulus or penalty for the purpose of eliminating or correcting undesirable behavior. [NIH] Remission: A diminution or abatement of the symptoms of a disease; also the period during which such diminution occurs. [EU] Respiratory: Pertaining to respiration. [EU] Songbirds: Passeriformes of the suborder, Oscines, in which the flexor tendons of the toes are separate, and the lower syrinx has 4 to 9 pairs of tensor muscles inserted at both ends of the tracheal half rings. They include many commonly recognized birds such as crows, finches, robins, sparrows, and swallows. [NIH] Substrate: A substance upon which an enzyme acts. [EU]
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CHAPTER 5. PATENTS ON STUTTERING Overview You can learn about innovations relating to stuttering by reading recent patents and patent applications. Patents can be physical innovations (e.g. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment) or processes (e.g. treatments or diagnostic procedures). The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines a patent as a grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office.20 Patents, therefore, are intellectual property. For the United States, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date when the patent application was filed. If the inventor wishes to receive economic benefits, it is likely that the invention will become commercially available to patients with stuttering within 20 years of the initial filing. It is important to understand, therefore, that an inventor’s patent does not indicate that a product or service is or will be commercially available to patients with stuttering. The patent implies only that the inventor has “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States. While this relates to U.S. patents, similar rules govern foreign patents. In this chapter, we show you how to locate information on patents and their inventors. If you find a patent that is particularly interesting to you, contact the inventor or the assignee for further information.
20Adapted
from The U. S. Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm.
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Patents on Stuttering By performing a patent search focusing on stuttering, you can obtain information such as the title of the invention, the names of the inventor(s), the assignee(s) or the company that owns or controls the patent, a short abstract that summarizes the patent, and a few excerpts from the description of the patent. The abstract of a patent tends to be more technical in nature, while the description is often written for the public. Full patent descriptions contain much more information than is presented here (e.g. claims, references, figures, diagrams, etc.). We will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. The following is an example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a patent search on stuttering: ·
Electronic anti-stuttering device providing auditory feedback and disfluency-detecting biofeedback Inventor(s): Kehoe; Thomas David (18510 Decatur Dr., Monte Sereno, CA 95030-3088) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,231,500 Date filed: May 2, 1995 Abstract: Improvements to a biofeedback device for treating stuttering are disclosed. The device monitors aspects of speech production. When stuttering phenomena are detected, the device provides fluencyenhancing auditory feedback to reduce stuttering. As the user develops speech motor skills (typically taught by a speech pathologist), the device senses reduced stuttering phenomena and reduces auditory feedback. When the user can talk fluently without feedback, he discontinues using the device and continues to talk fluently. The improvements disclosed in this continuation-in-part are a biofeedback feature that monitors the user's vocal pitch; micropower impulse radar to monitor the user's muscle activity; and a fluency-enhancing auditory feedback feature that provides the sound of the user's vocal chords without the sounds added by nasal and oral cavities. Excerpt(s): There are many theories as to the origin, nature, and best treatment of stuttering. Many speech pathologists believe that the root of stuttering is an inability to control the laryngeal muscles. ... The larynx is one of the first muscles people tense when experiencing fear or anxiety. Thus stuttering is often associated with fear and anxiety. ... Fluencyshaping stuttering therapy is effective for about 70-75% of adults who stutter (and more effective for children who stutter), according to recent research.sup.1.
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Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06231500__ ·
Therapeutic device to ameliorate stuttering Inventor(s): Rastatter; Michael Pierre (Greenville, NC), Kalinowski; Joseph Stanley (Greenville, NC), Stuart; Andrew Michael (Greenville, NC) Assignee(s): East Carolina University (Greenville, NC) Patent Number: 5,961,443 Date filed: April 1, 1997 Abstract: A device and method for ameliorating stuttering by providing an altered auditory feedback by employing a compact device configured for positioning in or adjacent the ear canal of an individual. The portable, self-contained device can be used on a "chronic" basis and includes a receiver for receiving auditory signals, an auditory delay and or frequency shift circuit, and a transmitter for transmitting the altered signal to the individual user. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to devices or techniques which treat stuttering, and more particularly to devices employing altered auditory feedback to treat stuttering. ... In stutterers it is hypothesized that both the left and right hemispheres of the brain compete to send signals to the muscles that produce speech. This causes conflict and interruptions in a stutterer's speech flow pattern. In contrast, under this hypothesis, in non-stutterers no such competition exists and brain signals produce speech only from one side of the brain (typically the left), thereby producing fluent speech patterns. At least one report submits that stuttering is caused by interrelated sensory and motor deficits. See e.g. J. Kalinowski et al., Effects Of Alterations In Auditory Feedback and Speech Rate On Stuttering Frequency, 36(1) Language and Speech, p. 1-16 (1993). ... Conventionally, stuttering has been treated by several different types of treatment including psychiatric therapy, drug therapy, and electrical signals such as altered auditory feedback. Two types of altered auditory feedback which have been studied include delayed auditory feedback ("DAF") and introduction of a masking noise or masked auditory feedback ("MAF"). Generally described, DAF imposes a delay on the delivery of a feedback speech signal to a speaker/stutterer, while MAF serves to compete with a speaker's auditory feedback. It has been known for some time that DAF methods can be used to treat stuttering. See e.g. R. Pollock et al., A Solid State Delayed Auditory Feedback System, Biomedical Engineering, December 1976, pp. 413-414. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05961443__
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·
Feedback modification for reducing stuttering Inventor(s): Houde; John F. (San Francisco, CA) Assignee(s): Scientific Learning Corporation (Berkeley, CA) Patent Number: 5,940,798 Date filed: February 5, 1998 Abstract: A treatment system for reducing stuttering uses an auditory feedback modification technique to train the stutterer's speech motor control system to be more stable. The auditory feedback modification is based on a model of speech motor control in the human brain that incorporates a variation of observer-based control and Smith prediction. In addition, the Kalman gain of the model is set by comparing the speech muscular control signals sent to the person's vocal tract to the corresponding auditory speech sounds the person actually hears. It is believed that the speech motor control system of a stutterer has set the Kalman gain too high, thereby creating an unstable control system that in turn causes stuttering. A feedback modifier feeds back the stutterer's speech to the stutterer with a perturbation that is small enough to pass a validator function that is believed to be part of the speech motor control system. The small perturbations increase the difference between the target speech and the fed back speech, which is believed to cause the speech motor control system to decrease the Kalman gain. Over a treatment program, it is believed that the perturbations "train" or adapt the stutterer's speech motor control system so as to reduce the Kalman gain, which is further believed to persist when the auditory feedback is discontinued. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to speech training and, more particularly, to methods and devices to reduce stuttering. ... Stuttering is a fluency disorder experienced by an estimated one percent of the total population of the United States. Two of the chief symptoms of this disorder are the repeating of speech sounds and an inability to continue speaking (commonly referred to as "blocking"). There are many more symptoms of this disorder, sharing the characteristic of preventing the stutterer from producing fluent speech, as judged subjectively by the stutterer or other listeners. ... Some studies directed toward reducing stuttering have shown that stuttering can be reduced by using auditory feedback. The term "auditory feedback" is used herein to refer to providing the speaker (i.e., the stutterer) with his or her own speech while the speaker is speaking. Thus, the speaker listens to himself or herself while speaking. One of these studies, for example, has shown that introducing a short delay (i.e., of about fifty milliseconds) in the auditory feedback will significantly reduce stuttering with little or no debilitating
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effects on the speaker's speech rate. In other studies, altering the spectrum of the auditory feedback or introducing strong masking noise also significantly reduces stuttering. However, once the auditory feedback is discontinued, the stutter-reducing effect disappears. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05940798__ ·
Stuttering treatment technique Inventor(s): Fayerman; Izrail (64-34 99th St., Apartment 6B, Rego Park, NY 11374), Fayerman; Michael (76-01 113th St., Apartment 7D, Forest Hills, NY 11375) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 5,733,129 Date filed: January 28, 1997 Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for training stuttering students to speak fluently is described. The student practices various speech exercises as part of a detailed plan which lasts several weeks and which gradually trains the student to speak more and more complex word patterns with an aim of retraining the stutterer to speak fluently. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to stuttering techniques, and more particularly, to an improved method and apparatus for retraining patients who are suffering from stuttering problems to speak fluently. ... Stuttering is a common problem present in many individuals. It is estimated that five million people in the United States alone suffer from some form of stuttering problem. Stuttering is caused by a problem in transmitting speech signals from the brain to the mouth, diaphragm, and other muscles which control speech. ... There are many prior art techniques which have been utilized in an attempt to retrain patients suffering from stuttering problems to speak more fluently. In one form or another, all of these prior art techniques involve using a metronome during periodic visits to a speech therapist. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05733129__
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·
Anti-stuttering device and method Inventor(s): Webster; Ronald L. (P.O. Box 9737, Hollins College, Roanoke, VA 24020) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,784,115 Date filed: June 16, 1986 Abstract: An anti-stuttering device and method for enhancing the fluency of speech in stutterers. The device detects vocal pulses generated by the opening and closing of a speaker's vocal folds. Electrical signals representative of the vocal pulses are transmitted to a receiver in a sealed ear canal of the speaker where they are reproduced as audio pulses. The audio pulses produce a resonant effect within the ear canal to thereby provide an early indication of the characteristics of the speaker's voice and tend to reduce stuttering. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to a method and device for reducing stuttering and more particularly to an anti-stuttering device and method for transmitting voice related signals to the speaker's ear to provide speech therapy. ... While the reasons for stuttering are not clearly known, it has been demonstrated that the handicap may be reduced or eliminated by the method of systematic reconstruction of the stutterer's speech behavior. However, because of the subject's difficulties in attending to the detailed characteristics of his speech, it remains difficult for the therapist to provide rapid and effective feedback to the subject concerning his responses. ... It is accordingly an object of the present invention to obviate the difficiencies of the known prior art and provide a novel anti-stuttering device and method for providing speech therapy. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04784115__
·
Electronic device and method for the treatment of stuttering Inventor(s): Blum; Arthur M. (1090 Butterfield Rd., San Anselmo, CA 94960) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,662,847 Date filed: November 29, 1985 Abstract: An improved electronic device and method for the treatment of stuttering is disclosed. The device and method provide for transmitting
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electronic speech signals from a user through two paths, one of which is synchronous and the other is asynchronous. The synchronous speech signal is transmitted while the user is normally speaking and, at any pause in phonation, the device switches to the asynchronous path and transmits speech in a delayed auditory feedback mode and continues to do so until a pre-selected change occurs in the user's speech. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an electronic device and method for the treatment of stuttering. ... Speech pathologists have long been concerned with the treatment of stuttering. Prior art devices utilize a concept known as delayed auditory feedback (DAF) to aid an individual suffering from stuttering. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,488 shows a stuttering aid which includes a microphone, an amplifier, two earphones and two circuits connecting the earphones to an amplifier. One of the two circuits includes a delay unit and the amount of time delay is adjustable. ... U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,119 describes a known DAF system for correcting speech. U.S. Pat. No. 3,566,858 shows a device which uses noise masking techniques to combat stuttering and includes a microphone which is selectively responsive to the patient's voice. U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,648 shows a speech therapy device which includes a patient responsive feedback circuit and time delay circuit to detect voice and speech levels. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04662847__
Patent Applications on Stuttering As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing.21 Applications are patent requests which have yet to be granted (the process to achieve a patent can take several years).
Keeping Current In order to stay informed about patents and patent applications dealing with stuttering, you can access the U.S. Patent Office archive via the Internet at no cost to you. This archive is available at the following Web address: http://www.uspto.gov/main/patents.htm. Under “Services,” click on “Search Patents.” You will see two broad options: (1) Patent Grants, and (2) Patent Applications. To see a list of granted patents, perform the following steps: Under “Patent Grants,” click “Quick Search.” Then, type “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “Term 1” box. After clicking on the search button, scroll down to see the various patents which have been granted to date on 21
This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.
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stuttering. You can also use this procedure to view pending patent applications concerning stuttering. Simply go back to the following Web address: http://www.uspto.gov/main/patents.htm. Under “Services,” click on “Search Patents.” Select “Quick Search” under “Patent Applications.” Then proceed with the steps listed above.
Vocabulary Builder Diaphragm: The musculofibrous partition that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. Contraction of the diaphragm increases the volume of the thoracic cavity aiding inspiration. [NIH] Radar: A system using beamed and reflected radio signals to and from an object in such a way that range, bearing, and other characteristics of the object may be determined. [NIH] Spectrum: A charted band of wavelengths of electromagnetic vibrations obtained by refraction and diffraction. By extension, a measurable range of activity, such as the range of bacteria affected by an antibiotic (antibacterial s.) or the complete range of manifestations of a disease. [EU]
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CHAPTER 6. BOOKS ON STUTTERING Overview This chapter provides bibliographic book references relating to stuttering. You have many options to locate books on stuttering. The simplest method is to go to your local bookseller and inquire about titles that they have in stock or can special order for you. Some patients, however, feel uncomfortable approaching their local booksellers and prefer online sources (e.g. www.amazon.com and www.bn.com). In addition to online booksellers, excellent sources for book titles on stuttering include the Combined Health Information Database and the National Library of Medicine. Once you have found a title that interests you, visit your local public or medical library to see if it is available for loan.
Book Summaries: Federal Agencies The Combined Health Information Database collects various book abstracts from a variety of healthcare institutions and federal agencies. To access these summaries, go to http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. You will need to use the “Detailed Search” option. To find book summaries, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer. For the format option, select “Monograph/Book.” Now type “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You will only receive results on books. You should check back periodically with this database which is updated every 3 months. The following is a typical result when searching for books on stuttering: ·
Stuttering: Science, Therapy and Practice Source: Boulder, CO: Casa Futura Technologies. 1999. 333 p.
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Contact: Available from Casa Futura Technologies. P.O. Box 7551, Boulder, CO 80306-7551. (303) 417-9752. Fax (303) 413-0853. Price: $35.00. ISBN: 0965718107. Summary: This book offers a wealth of information about stuttering, its causes, and therapies. The book describes famous people who stutter, the diagnosis and treatment of childhood stuttering, drug treatments, teenage stuttering, and adult stuttering therapy. Topics include the symptoms of stuttering, the incidence and prevalence of the disfluency, genetic factors, conditions that increase or decrease stuttering, the neurology of stuttering, theories of stuttering development, other fluency disorders, stuttering modification therapy, fluency shaping therapy, stuttering therapy programs, the effectiveness of stuttering therapies, computers and electronic devices for treating stuttering, choosing a speech pathologist, organizations for people who stutter, Internet resources, books and journals about stuttering, employment and stuttering, telephone advice for stutterers, suggestions for listeners, and public speaking for people who stutter. The book includes extensive quotes from people who stutter. A reference list and subject index conclude the book. 237 references. ·
Clinical Management of Stuttering in Older Children and Adults Source: Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, Inc. 1999. 377 p. Contact: Available from Aspen Publishers, Inc. 200 Orchard Ridge Drive, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. (800) 638-8437. Website: www.aspenpublishers.com. Price: $44.00. ISBN: 0834211173. Summary: This textbook describes management techniques in diagnosis, evaluation, and therapy for stuttering and other communication problems. The author focuses on practical strategies for managing a wide range of communication problems, particularly fluency disorders. The book and the techniques described are intended for use with older stutterers (8 to 9 years of age and older). The book features nine chapters, covering the diagnosis and evaluation of stuttering; initial stages and planning in management; methods of monitoring, evaluation, and self evaluation for the person who stutters; dealing with anticipation, apprehension, and hypertension; two chapters on control methods for fluency reinforcement and for symptom control; additional procedures, including time out, respiration and breathstream management, stuttering and singing, utterance complexity, and role play; selected symptom controls, notable cancellation, pullout, and preparatory set; and transfer and maintenance. Each chapter concludes with a list of references, and a subject index concludes the volume.
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·
Three Dimensions of Stuttering: Neurology, Behaviour, and Emotion. 2nd edition Source: London, United Kingdom: Whurr Publishers Ltd. 1999. 127 p. Contact: Available from Taylor and Francis, Inc. 7625 Empire Drive, Florence, KY 41042. (800) 634-7064. Price: $34.95 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 1861560737. Summary: This textbook offers a review of historical and current knowledge concerning those areas and structures of the central nervous system contributing to the three dimensions of stuttering. The author begins with a history of the neurophysiologic bases of both emotion and stuttering. The author discusses how the central nervous system contributes to internal emotional responses, external manifestations of those responses, and the interconnections between emotional centers, learning, and the initiation and fine motor control of speech. The sub cortical limbic system is discussed as the origination point of cortical, subcortical, cerebellar, and brainstem areas identified in recent research as inappropriately activated during stuttered speech. The implications of these data for the diagnosis and treatment of stuttering are examined in the concluding chapter of the book. A list of references and a subject index conclude the book. 12 figures. 1 table. 118 references.
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Straight Talk on Stuttering: Information, Encouragement,and Counsel for Stutterers, Caregivers, and Speech-Language Clinicians Source: Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publishers, Ltd. 1996. 273 p. Contact: Available from Charles C. Thomas Publishers, Ltd. 2600 South First Street, Springfield, IL 62794-9265. Voice (800) 258-8980 or (217) 7898980; Fax (217) 789-9130. Price: $54.95 (cloth); $35.95. (paper); plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0398065918 (cloth); 0398065926 (paper). Summary: This book provides information about stuttering for people who stutter and for those who interact with them, including parents, caregivers, teachers, and speech language pathologists. The first section covers basic information about stuttering. The second section describes the author's therapeutic approach with adults and children who stutter. The author uses the terminology of speech language pathology, but explains the terminology in nontechnical language. Twenty-two chapters cover the behaviors of stuttering, the causes and development of stuttering, preventing stuttering, self-help for the adult who stutters, motivating adults who stutter, identification, desensitization, modification, stabilization therapy for children; and interviewing and counseling. The book concludes with a bibliography, glossary, and subject index. 11 references.
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·
Listen With Your Heart: Reflections on Growing Up With Stuttering Source: Anaheim Hills, CA: National Stuttering Association. 1996. 177 p. Contact: Available from National Stuttering Association. 5100 East La Palma Avenue, Room Number 208, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807. (800) 3641677. Fax (714) 693-7554. E-mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.nsastutter.org. Price: $12.00 plus shipping and handling. Summary: This book is a compilation of articles; reflections; stories; and other writings of children who stutter, their parents, adults who recall memories of childhood, and clinicians who share information for those who work with children who stutter. The book is designed to help parents learn more about stuttering and become more patient and forgiving of themselves. The writers share their experiences in school settings, the home environment, with speech-language therapy, at mainstream and specialized camps, in family interactions, and in other settings of daily life. The writings provide a positive approach to learning about stuttering and applying that knowledge to the everyday tasks that stuttering may complicate. The book includes information about what happened to children as they grew up. It also includes an appendix that lists well-known people who stutter and a list of resource organizations for additional information.
·
Behavioral Management of Stuttering Source: San Diego, CA: Singular-Thomson Learning. 1996. 231 p. Contact: Available from Singular-Thomson Learning. P.O. Box 6904, Florence, KY 41022. (800) 477-3692. Fax (606) 647-5963. Website: www.singpub.com. Price: $53.95 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 1565936337. Summary: This text offers a comprehensive guide to the behavioral management of stuttering. Eight sections cover basic information for clinical practice, the basis of behavioral stuttering management, management of early stuttering, management of advanced stuttering, perspectives on stuttering, clinical issues in the management of early and advanced stuttering, and clinical issues in the measurement of stuttering. Specific topics include definitions and descriptions of stuttering, speaking conditions that reduce stuttering, normal dysfluencies in early childhood, speech measures used in stuttering management, treatment targets, generalization and maintenance in eliminating stuttered speech, management phases with advanced stuttering, preventing relapses, operant methodology, speech motor control, genetics, learning, the role of support groups in prolonged speech treatments, the value of early intervention, stutter count measures, and measures of attitude and
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control. Throughout the text, treatments recommended are those designed to eliminate stuttered speech. Speech measurement is emphasized as a means to provide accountability by prescribing treatment goals and by documenting progress toward and achievement of those goals. Treatments are recommended only if their value has been demonstrated by the results of clinical and experimental research, or by theoretical perspectives that have been substantiated by research. The text concludes with a list of references and a subject index. 422 references. ·
Stuttering: Successes and Failures in Therapy Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America. 1995. 148 p. Contact: Available from Stuttering Foundation of America. P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. (800) 992-9392; E-mail:
[email protected]; http://www.stutterSFA.org. Price: $2.00 each. Publication Number 6. Summary: This book provides a series of actual case histories of people who stutter. The authors were invited to direct themselves to the question: What are the personal behavioral characteristics that lead to success or failure in stuttering? The authors were then each asked to outline two case studies, one which they viewed as success, the other as failure. In each case, the authors include a brief description of the client, the circumstances of therapy, and the therapeutic process to allow readers to see what kind of people were in therapy, how the therapists see their own roles, and where they thought they had failed or succeeded. After the case histories were written, the authors met to discuss the cases and uncover some generalizations about the effects of the clinical relationship upon the success or failure of therapy. The notes taken from the conference discussions are also included in the book. Topics include the varying criteria for success and failure, the initial relationship between client and clinician, the role of a belief in eventual success, the clinician as seen by the stutterer (and vice versa), the readiness to work on a speech problem, the establishment of a beneficial climate, the contract between stuttered and clinician, the involvement of others in therapy, the stutterer-clinician relationships during the course of therapy, the problems in moving to a new relationship, the limitations of a friendly relationship, the problem of resistance in therapy, the reactions to little failures, the expression of feelings by the therapist, the problem of relapses, the fears of the clinician, the clinician's feelings of guilt, the role of objectivity, and the acceptance of responsibility at the end of therapy. 11 references.
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Stuttering: Treatment of the Young Stutterer in the School Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America. 1995. 64 p. Contact: Available from Stuttering Foundation of America. P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. (800) 992-9392. Price: $2.00 plus shipping and handling. Publication number 4. Summary: This booklet is a reprint of the original report of a conference held in 1963. It is written for public school clinicians who have to wrestle with the baffling problem of stuttering. A group of speech pathologists were asked what specific problems they had encountered in working with elementary school children who stutter, and what questions they wanted answered in relation to their work. The editor of this 1995 edition of the report notes that the information is still relevant and has been reprinted because of numerous requests for it. After a representative letter from a public school clinician, the booklet poses and answers commonly asked questions. These questions cover the needs and intention of the booklet; how stuttering in children differs from that in adults; how therapy for stuttering in children differs from that for adults; the basic qualifications of the therapist; how to recognize children for whom stuttering is a problem; prevention considerations; how to tell whether or not to work with parents, and how to keep parents apprised of ongoing therapy; how regular classroom teachers can cooperate effectively with the speech therapy program; how to motivate children to participate in therapy and to continue working toward stated goals; how to establish the goals of therapy; how to structure the first meeting; ongoing strategies of therapeutic interaction; the emotions that may be associated with therapy, including fear, self-confidence, and self-esteem; indications of improvement; the termination of therapy; and group therapy with children who stutter. The booklet concludes with a list of strategies for parents. The names and affiliations of the original conference participants are also provided. The booklet is illustrated with black and white photographs of children.
·
Understanding and Controlling Stuttering: A Comprehensive New Approach Based on the Valsalva Hypothesis Source: Anaheim Hills, CA: National Stuttering Association. 1994. 176 p. Contact: Available from National Stuttering Association. 5100 East La Palma Avenue, Number 208, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807. (800) 364-1677. Fax (714) 693-7554. E-mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.nsastutter.org. PRICE: $15.00 plus shipping and handling. Summary: This book presents the hypothesis that stuttering blocks may result from a neurological confusion between the voice and the Valsalva
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mechanism which normally assists in exerting effort and forcing things out of the body. The author demonstrates how physical and psychological factors may interact to stimulate and perpetuate stuttering. Twenty-eight chapters cover the stuttering experience, the speech mechanism and basics of speech, the Valsalva hypothesis, Valsalva tuning and the stuttering block, Valsalva tuning and phonation, varieties of stuttering, the Valsalva-stuttering cycle, the psychology of stuttering, susceptibility to stuttering, the speech functions of the brain, heredity and stuttering, fluency techniques, the effects of hearing and role playing, stuttering therapies, psychological approaches to therapy, behaviororiented therapies, self-help for stuttering, the principles of Valsalva control, exercises for Valsalva control, phonation exercises, and Valsalva control for everyday speech. The book concludes with a list of organizations for stuttering information and self-help, a bibliography, and a subject index. 138 references. ·
Stuttering: An Integration of Contemporary Therapies Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA). 1993. 80 p. Contact: Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA). 3100 Walnut Grove, Suite 603, P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. Voice (800) 992-9392 or (901) 452-7343; Fax (901) 452-3931. Price: $2.00 plus shipping and handling. Publication Number 16. ISBN: 0933388152. Summary: Agreement about stuttering therapy has been a major objective of the Stuttering Foundation of America (SDA). Some clinicians have preferred to help people learn not to avoid stuttering, but instead to approach it and to learn to stutter in simpler and easier ways. Other clinicians have preferred to teach people who stutter to speak in a fluent pattern that can be gradually shaped in to normal sounding speech in all situations. This book attempts to integrate the stuttering modification therapy approach with the fluency shaping therapy approach. Separate chapters cover diagnostic and treatment procedures, and working with adolescents and adults who stutter, children who stutter, and preschool children who stutter. The authors conclude that a successful fluency shaping program can lead to the deconditioning of word and situation fears. They call for more research to confirm and clarify their hypotheses. 25 references. (AA-M).
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Stuttering: The Search for a Cause and Cure Source: Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon. 1993. 199 p.
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Contact: Available from Allyn and Bacon. 160 Gould Street, Needham Heights, MA 02194-2310. (800) 278-3525; Fax (515) 284-2607; E-mail:
[email protected]; http://www.abacon.com. Price: $55.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0205138454. Summary: This book describes recent efforts to understand stuttering and find better ways of alleviating it. Beginning with a description of the problem and a brief history of early theories and treatment, the author describes the psychodynamics involved in stuttering, outlines a medical model for stuttering, and considers the relationship between stuttering and heredity. The author also focuses on the inception of stuttering, the treatment of early stuttering, and the treatment of developed stuttering by a variety of programs across the country. A final chapter discusses the role of self-help groups and how to contact them. The book concludes with a bibliography and subject index. 191 references. (AA-M). ·
Stuttering and Related Disorders of Fluency Source: New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 1993. 231 p. Contact: Available from Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 381 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016. (800) 782-3488 or (212) 683-5088. Price: $42.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0865774420. Summary: This text provides chapters on a variety of contemporary clinical management procedures that are used with children and adults who stutter or who have a related fluency disorder. Ten chapters cover the identification and management of beginning stuttering; differential evaluation and differential therapy for stuttering children; treating school-age children who stutter; the behavioral treatment of stuttering children; therapy for school-age children who stutter, including an update on the Fluency Rules program; the treatment of adolescents and adults who stutter; intensive fluency training of chronic stuttering; the transfer and maintenance of treatment gains in this population; cluttering; and stuttering associated with acquired neurological disorders. Each chapter is written by a specialist in the field and includes suggested readings and a reference list; a subject index concludes the volume.
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Stuttering and Other Fluency Disorders Source: Old Tappen, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1992. 352 p. Contact: Available from Prentice-Hall Inc. 200 Old Tappen Road, Old Tappen, NJ 07675. (800) 922-0579; Fax (800) 445-6991. Price: $62.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0138506035.
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Summary: This book reviews the literature on fluency disorders. The author describes an approach that provides a structure for establishing therapy goals and developing intervention strategies for achieving them. Both contemporary and historical theories concerning the etiology of stuttering are discussed. Topics include stuttering, cluttering, neurogenic acquired stuttering, psychogenic acquired stuttering, spastic dysphonia, and malingered stuttering. The author discusses evaluation and intervention strategies for reducing both abnormal disfluency and the negative impact that the disorder may have on the client's life. Three appendices provide wordings and structures for paragraphs and sections in fluency disorder evaluation reports, a list of organizations for persons interested in stuttering, and evaluation forms and tasks. The book concludes with a list of references, and author and subject indices. 811 references. (AA-M). ·
Stuttering Prevented Source: San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group, Inc. 1992. 188 p. Contact: Available from Singular Publishing Group, Inc. 401 West 'A' Street, Suite 325, San Diego, CA 92101-7904. (800) 521-8545 or (619) 2386777. Fax (800) 774-8398 or (619) 238-6789. E-mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.singpub.com. Price: $32.50 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0879105500. Summary: This book offers assistance for parents and professionals who work with children at risk of stuttering or are already stuttering. The author discusses the etiology of stuttering and its common clinical manifestations. The author also offers advice for the child and parent to help prevent dysfluencies from escalating into stuttering. Strategies include help outgrow stuttering, reduce the effects of excitement, minimize family pressure, stop linguistic stuttering, stop assertivenessconflict stuttering, and prevent addictive pay-offs. The author also discusses the types of professional and self-help support that are available. The approach is developmental, and expressed in a manner that can be implemented by parents at any stage of the evolving problem. The book concludes with a lengthy case report on one family's experiences with intervention for their child.
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Stuttering Therapy: Prevention and Intervention with Children Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA). 1992. 152 p. Contact: Available from Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA). P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. (800) 992-9392 or (901) 452-7343.
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Price: $2.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0933388225. Item Number 20. Summary: This book presents five papers and a wrap-up given at a 1982 conference on the Evaluation of Disfluency, Prevention of Stuttering, and Management of Fluency Problems in Children, held at Northwestern University in Chicago. The chapters discuss emotional and environmental problems in stuttering; language formulation related to disfluency and stuttering; a theoretical and clinical perspective on speech motor processes and stuttering in children; the development of fluency in normal children; a therapy assessment procedure for treating stuttering in children; and the present status and prospects for the future in this area. Throughout the book, the authors provide concrete, step-by-step suggestions for applying the concepts discussed to real-life clinical situations. Each chapter includes references.
Book Summaries: Online Booksellers Commercial Internet-based booksellers, such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com, offer summaries which have been supplied by each title’s publisher. Some summaries also include customer reviews. Your local bookseller may have access to in-house and commercial databases that index all published books (e.g. Books in PrintÒ). The following have been recently listed with online booksellers as relating to stuttering (sorted alphabetically by title; follow the hyperlink to view more details at Amazon.com): ·
A Stuttering Manual for the Speech Therapist by Nancy Gross Polow (1975); ISBN: 0398034923; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0398034923/icongroupin terna
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Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators in the Mystery of the Stuttering Parrot. by Robert Arthur (1964); ISBN: 0394812433; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0394812433/icongroupin terna
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Approaches to the Treatment of Stuttering by Peggy Dalton (1983); ISBN: 0709908245; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0709908245/icongroupin terna
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Approaches to the Treatment of Stuttering (1983); ISBN: 0709908377; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0709908377/icongroupin terna
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Comprehensive Stuttering Program : Clinical Manual/Cassette by Einer Boberg, Deborah Kully (1985); ISBN: 0933014414;
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http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0933014414/icongroupin terna ·
Contemporary Approaches in Stuttering Therapy by Feins (1984); ISBN: 0316698407; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0316698407/icongroupin terna
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Habit Control in a Day: The Breakthrough Book That Describes Professionally Tested New Methods for Eliminating Stuttering, Nail Biting, Hair Pulling by Nathan Azrin (1977); ISBN: 0671227521; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671227521/icongroupin terna
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Identifying Subgroups of Stutterers by Alf E. Preus (1982); ISBN: 8200058018; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/8200058018/icongroupin terna
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Let's Talk About Stammering by Renee Byrne (1983); ISBN: 0046160248; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0046160248/icongroupin terna
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Neurolinguistics Approaches to Stuttering : Proceedings to the International Symposium on Stuttering, Brussels, 1972 (Hanua Linguarum, Series No. 70) by International Symposium on Stuttering Staff (1973); ISBN: 9027924171; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/9027924171/icongroupin terna
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New Directions in Stuttering: Theory and Practice by Dominick Barbara (1965); ISBN: 0398000875; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0398000875/icongroupin terna
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Operant Conditioning and the Management of Stuttering: A Book for Clinicians by George H., Shames (1976); ISBN: 0136373224; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0136373224/icongroupin terna
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Practical, Self-Help Guide for Stutterers by Dominick A. Barbara (1983); ISBN: 0398047944; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0398047944/icongroupin terna
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Psychodynamics of Stuttering by Dominick A. Barbara (1982); ISBN: 0398047146; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0398047146/icongroupin terna
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Speech Disorders in Adults : Recent Advances by Janis M. Costello (Editor) (1985); ISBN: 0933014988; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0933014988/icongroupin terna
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Stop Stuttering, Stop Stammering, Stop Stumbling by Russell J. Humphries (1977); ISBN: 084731555X; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/084731555X/icongroupi nterna
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Stutter-Free Speech by George H Shames (1980); ISBN: 0675081785; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0675081785/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering by Eugene F. Hahn (1956); ISBN: 0804703760; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0804703760/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering (1977); ISBN: 0374271186; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0374271186/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering : A New Look at an Old Problem Based on Neurophysiological Aspects by Charles P. Overstake (1979); ISBN: 0398038961; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0398038961/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering : A Psychoanalytic Understanding by I. Peter Glauber (1983); ISBN: 0898851548; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0898851548/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering : Successes and Failures in Therapy by Harold L. Luper (1968); ISBN: 0933388047; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0933388047/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering : Theory and Treatment by Marcel Wingate (1981); ISBN: 0829003592; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0829003592/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering and Laryngeal Behavior : A Review by C.W. Starkweather (1982); ISBN: 091032901X; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/091032901X/icongroupi nterna
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Stuttering and Personality Dynamics : Play Therapy, Projective Therapy, and Counseling by Albert T. and Ruth M. Fit Simmons Murphy (1982); ISBN: 0471069930; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471069930/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering and What You Can Do About It by Wendell Johnson (1966); ISBN: 0813408644; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0813408644/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering Disorders (1984); ISBN: 0865771022; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0865771022/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering Disorders by William H. Perkins (1984); ISBN: 086577403X; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/086577403X/icongroupi nterna
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Stuttering Solved by Martin F. Schwartz (1977); ISBN: 0070557535; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0070557535/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering, an Integration of Contemporary Therapies by Barry. Guitar (1980); ISBN: 0933388152; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0933388152/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering: Differential Evaluation and Therapy by Hugo H. Gregory (1973); ISBN: 0672612917; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0672612917/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering: Integrating Theory and Practice by Peter A. Fiedler (1982); ISBN: 0894436651; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0894436651/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering: The Disorder of Many Theories by Gerald Jonas (1977); ISBN: 0374514291; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0374514291/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering: What It Is and What to Do About It by Stanley Humphreys Ainsworth (1975); ISBN: 0822018055; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0822018055/icongroupin terna
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Successful Treatment of Stuttering by Ann Irwin (1981); ISBN: 0802706711; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802706711/icongroupin terna
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That's Easy for You to Say!: An Assault on Stuttering by Lon L. Emerick, Lawrence Jupin (1985); ISBN: 0932620434; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0932620434/icongroupin terna
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The Treatment of Stuttering by Charles Gage, Van Riper (1973); ISBN: 0139305947; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0139305947/icongroupin terna
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Treating the School Age Stutterer: A guide for Clinicians by Carl W. Dell (1979); ISBN: 093338811X; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/093338811X/icongroupi nterna
The National Library of Medicine Book Index The National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health has a massive database of books published on healthcare and biomedicine. Go to the following Internet site, http://locatorplus.gov/, and then select “Search LOCATORplus.” Once you are in the search area, simply type “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the search box, and select “books only.” From there, results can be sorted by publication date, author, or relevance. The following was recently catalogued by the National Library of Medicine:22 ·
Addressed to the members of the medical profession, more especially to the readers of The lancet: statement of facts relative to some new operations lately proposed for the relief of stammering: in refutation of false and interested counter-statements r. Author: Yearsley, James, 18051869; Year: 1841; [London?: s.n., 1841?]
In addition to LOCATORPlus, in collaboration with authors and publishers, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is adapting biomedical books for the Web. The books may be accessed in two ways: (1) by searching directly using any search term or phrase (in the same way as the bibliographic database PubMed), or (2) by following the links to PubMed abstracts. Each PubMed abstract has a “Books” button that displays a facsimile of the abstract in which some phrases are hypertext links. These phrases are also found in the books available at NCBI. Click on hyperlinked results in the list of books in which the phrase is found. Currently, the majority of the links are between the books and PubMed. In the future, more links will be created between the books and other types of information, such as gene and protein sequences and macromolecular structures. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Books.
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Assessment and therapy for young dysfluent children: family interaction. Author: Lena Rustin, Willie Botterill, Elaine Kelman; Year: 1996; London: Whurr Publishers, 1996; ISBN: 1897635559 Behavioral management of stuttering. Author: Mark Onslow; Year: 1996; San Diego, Calif.: Singular Pub. Group, c1996; ISBN: 1565936337 (pbk.) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1565936337/icongroupin terna
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Clinical decision-making in fluency disorders. Author: Walter H. Manning; Year: 2001; Vancouver, Canada; San Diego: Singular/Thomson Learning, c2001; ISBN: 0769301169 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0769301169/icongroupin terna
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Clinical management of stuttering in older children and adults. Author: Richard E. Ham; Year: 1999; Gaithersburg, Md.: Aspen Publishers, 1999; ISBN: 0834211173 (alk. paper) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0834211173/icongroupin terna
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Educational and emotional adjustments of stuttering children [microform]. Author: by Elizabeth Dickinson McDowell; Year: 1928; New York City, : Bureau of Publications, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1928
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From the brain to the mouth: acquired dysarthria and dysfluency in adults. Author: edited by Yvan Lebrun; Year: 1997; Dordrecht; Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers, c1997; ISBN: 0792344278 (HB: alk. paper) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0792344278/icongroupin terna
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Generating fluent speech: a comprehensive speech processing approach: clinician's manual. Author: Barbara Dahm; Year: 1997; Eau Claire, Wis.: Thinking Publications, c1997; ISBN: 0903599489 (pbk.) Handbook of early stuttering intervention. Author: edited by Mark Onslow, Ann Packman; Year: 1999; San Diego: Singular Pub. Group, c1999; ISBN: 1565939700 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1565939700/icongroupin terna
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Knotted tongues: stuttering in history and the quest for a cure. Author: Benson Bobrick; Year: 1996; New York: Kodansha International, 1996; ISBN: 1568361211 (PB) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1568361211/icongroupin terna
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Management of stuttering in adolescence: a communication skills approach. Author: Lena Rustin, Frances Cook, Rob Spence; Year: 1995; London: Whurr Publishers, 1995; ISBN: 1897635605
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Nature and treatment of stuttering: new directions. Author: edited by Richard F. Curlee, Gerald M. Siegel; Year: 1997; Boston: Allyn and Bacon, c1997; ISBN: 020516336X http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/020516336X/icongroupi nterna
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Primer for stuttering therapy. Author: Howard D. Schwartz; Year: 1999; Boston: Allyn and Bacon, c1999; ISBN: 0205275567 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0205275567/icongroupin terna
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Programmed therapy for stuttering in children and adults. Author: by Bruce P. Ryan; Year: 2001; Springfield, IL; Charles C. Thomas, Publisher, 2001; ISBN: 0398071063 (hbk.) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0398071063/icongroupin terna
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Speech production: motor control, brain research and fluency disorders. Author: editors, Wouter Hulstijn, Herman F.M. Peters, and Pascal H.H.M. van Lieshout; Year: 1997; Amsterdam; New York: Elsevier, 1997; ISBN: 044482460X (alk. paper http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/044482460X/icongroupi nterna
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Stammering, and other imperfections of speech, treated by surgical operations on the throat: being the substance of a paper read before the Westminster Medical Society, March 20th, 1841. Author: by James Yearsley; Year: 1841; London: Churchill, 1841
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Straight talk on stuttering: information, encouragement, and counsel for stutterrers, caregivers, and speech-language clinicians. Author: by Lloyd M. Hulit; Year: 1996; Springfield, Ill., U.S.A.: C.C. Thomas, c1996; ISBN: 0398065918 (cloth) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0398065918/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering: a short history of a curious disorder. Author: Marcel E. Wingate; Year: 1997; Westport, Conn.: Bergin & Garvey, 1997; ISBN: 0897895304 (alk. paper) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0897895304/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering: an integrated approach to its nature and treatment. Author: Barry Guitar; Year: 1998; Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, c1998; ISBN: 0683038001 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0683038001/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering: its nature, diagnosis, and treatment. Author: Edward G. Conture; Year: 2001; Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, c2001; ISBN: 0205319246 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0205319246/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering and related disorders of fluency. Author: [edited by] Richard F. Curlee; Year: 1999; New York: Thieme, 1999; ISBN: TNY 0865777640
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Stuttering and science. Author: William H. Perkins; Year: 1996; San Diego: Singular Pub. Group, c1996; ISBN: 1565932846 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1565932846/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering intervention: a collaborative journey to fluency freedom. Author: David Allen Shapiro; Year: 1999; Austin, Tex.: Pro-Ed, c1999; ISBN: 0890797404 (alk. paper) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890797404/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering research and practice: bridging the gap. Author: edited by Nan Bernstein Ratner, E. Charles Healey; Year: 1999; Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1999; ISBN: 0805824588 (alk. paper) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805824588/icongroupin terna
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Stuttering. Author: C. Woodruff Starkweather, Janet Givens-Ackerman; Year: 1997; Austin, Tex.: PRO-ED, c1997; ISBN: 0890796998 (pbk.: alk. paper) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890796998/icongroupin terna
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Synergistic stuttering therapy: a holistic approach. Author: Charleen Bloom, Donna K. Cooperman; Year: 1999; Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann, c1999; ISBN: 0750695277 (alk. paper) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0750695277/icongroupin terna
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Three dimensions of stuttering: neurology, behavior, and emotion. Author: Robert Logan; Year: 1999; London: Whurr, 1999; ISBN: 1861560737 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1861560737/icongroupin terna
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Treating stuttering in older children, adolescents, and adults: a guide for clinicians, parents, and those who stutter. Author: Ashley Craig; Year: 1998; Gosford, NSW: Feedback Publications, c1998; ISBN: 0646356585
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Treatment efficacy for stuttering: a search for empirical bases. Author: edited by Anne K. Cordes and Roger J. Ingham; Year: 1998; San Diego, Calif.: Singular Pub. Group, c1998; ISBN: 156543904X (alk. paper)
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Vocal gymnastics: or, A guide for stammerers, and for public speakers and others who suffer from certain minor peculiarities of uterance; with an appendix of cases, which have been created upon the method herein described. Author: by G.F. Urling; Year: 1857; London: John Churchill, 1857
Chapters on Stuttering Frequently, stuttering will be discussed within a book, perhaps within a specific chapter. In order to find chapters that are specifically dealing with stuttering, an excellent source of abstracts is the Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit your search to book chapters and stuttering using the “Detailed Search” option. Go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find book chapters, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Book Chapter.” By making these selections and typing in “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box, you will only receive results on chapters in books. The following is a typical result when searching for book chapters on stuttering: ·
Stuttering and Fluency Issues Source: in Martin, K.L. Does My Child Have a Speech Problem? Chicago, IL: Chicago Review Press. 1997. p. 1-16. Contact: Available from Chicago Review Press. 814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610. (312) 337-0747; Fax (312) 337-5985. Price: $16.95 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 1556523157. Summary: This chapter on stuttering is from a guide that helps parents and teachers identify normal speech development and potential speech and language problems in children. Stuttering is defined as a breakdown or disruption in the flow of speech, generally characterized by involuntary or uncontrollable repetitions or prolongations of sounds, syllables, or words. The chapter is written in a question-and-answer format, covering topics including developmental stuttering (so-called normal dysfluency), differentiating between normal dysfluency and stuttering, when to seek the assistance of a speech language therapist, the role of home and school environments on a child's fluency, handling siblings, the impact of stuttering on a child's emotional development and self concept, the occurrence of stuttering in boys versus girls, the causes of stuttering (including the role of genetics), and classroom and teaching
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strategies that can help the child who stutters. After each section, the author offers related strategies for the parents to employ. ·
Current Facts and Myths About Stuttering Source: in DeFeo, A.B., ed. Parent Articles 2. San Antonio, TX: Communication Skill Builders. 1995. p. 61-62. Contact: Available from Communication Skill Builders. Customer Service, 555 Academic Court, San Antonio, TX 78204-2498. (800) 866-4446; Fax (800) 232-1223. Price: $49.00 plus shipping and handling. Order Number 076-163-0732. Summary: This fact sheet, from a communication skills book for parents, discusses facts and myths about stuttering. The author lists common misunderstandings about stuttering. Topics covered include age of onset, speech behavior at time of onset, sex differences in stuttering, and the role of heredity and psychosocial factors in stuttering. The author also stresses that children who stutter will show their own unique patterns and characteristics.
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How to Reduce Your Child's Risk of Stuttering Source: in DeFeo, A.B., ed. Parent Articles 2. San Antonio, TX: Communication Skill Builders. 1995. p. 63-64. Contact: Available from Communication Skill Builders. Customer Service, 555 Academic Court, San Antonio, TX 78204-2498. (800) 866-4446; Fax (800) 232-1223. Price: $49.00 plus shipping and handling. Order Number 076-163-0732. Summary: This fact sheet, from a communication skills book for parents, discusses how to reduce a child's risk of stuttering. The author defines stuttering and its characteristics and presents ways to reduce the risk of stuttering in children. The latter section provides detailed suggestions for parent-child interaction, including recommended activities and language to use in conversation. The author encourages parents to incorporate these suggestions into every day routines. 5 references.
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Talking to Others About Your Child's Stuttering Source: in DeFeo, A.B., ed. Parent Articles 2. San Antonio, TX: Communication Skill Builders. 1995. p. 65-66. Contact: Available from Communication Skill Builders. Customer Service, 555 Academic Court, San Antonio, TX 78204-2498. (800) 866-4446; Fax (800) 232-1223. Price: $49.00 plus shipping and handling. Order Number 076-163-0732.
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Summary: This fact sheet, from a communication skills book for parents, discusses how to talk to others about a child's stuttering. The author defines stuttering and its role in communication and presents a rationale for discussing the child's stuttering with others. The author concludes with a section of general guidelines for 'consciousness-raising' about stuttering. ·
What to Say to Others About Stuttering: Specific Suggestions Source: in DeFeo, A.B., ed. Parent Articles 2. San Antonio, TX: Communication Skill Builders. 1995. p. 67-68. Contact: Available from Communication Skill Builders. Customer Service, 555 Academic Court, San Antonio, TX 78204-2498. (800) 866-4446; Fax (800) 232-1223. Price: $49.00 plus shipping and handling. Order Number 076-163-0732. Summary: This fact sheet, from a communication skills book for parents, provides specific suggestions for how to talk to others about a child's stuttering. The author describes how to discuss a child's stuttering with teachers, friends or classmates, and relatives. The author concludes with a section of common questions and answers about stuttering.
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Stuttering: The Right Connection Source: in DeFeo, A.B., ed. Parent Articles 2. San Antonio, TX: Communication Skill Builders. 1995. p. 169-170. Contact: Available from Communication Skill Builders. Customer Service, 555 Academic Court, San Antonio, TX 78204-2498. (800) 211-8378; Fax (800) 232-1223. Price: $55.00 plus shipping and handling. Order Number 076-163-0732. Summary: In this fact sheet, from a communication skills book for parents, a parent of a child who stutters discusses some of the emotions and psychological factors that may affect the parents of children with language impairments. Topics covered include the diagnosis, the role of speech language therapy, choosing therapeutic programs that are effective and appropriate for each individual child, the role of parental encouragement in the child's speech language therapy, self-esteem issues, and dealing with stuttering on a long-term basis. The author provides parents with specific suggestions for helping a child who may stutter.
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Identification and Management of Beginning Stuttering Source: in Curlee, R.F. Stuttering and Related Disorders of Fluency. New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 1993. p. 1-22.
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Contact: Available from Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 381 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016. (800) 782-3488 or (212) 683-5088. Price: $42.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0865774420. Summary: This chapter, from a text on contemporary clinical management of stuttering, discusses the identification and management of beginning stuttering. The author describes the procedures used when evaluating young children who may be beginning to stutter. The symptoms and signs that are elicited during case history interviews and observed during clinical evaluation are discussed, and guidelines for choosing among several clinical management alternatives are suggested. The author concludes with a description of several parent intervention strategies that are intended to modify the child's environment, thereby preventing the development of a chronic stuttering problem. 55 references. (AA-M). ·
Management of Stuttering: Treatment of Adolescents and Adults Source: in Curlee, R.F. Stuttering and Related Disorders of Fluency. New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 1993. p. 115-138. Contact: Available from Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 381 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016. (800) 782-3488 or (212) 683-5088. Price: $42.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0865774420. Summary: This chapter, from a text on contemporary clinical management of stuttering, discusses the management of stuttering in adolescents and adults. Topics covered include the nature of the problem and its treatment; stuttering as a disability; stuttering as handicap; social learning and self-efficacy theories as a foundation for treatment that emphasizes the behavioral management of stutter events; pretreatment evaluation, including the case history, observations and tests; the initial emphasis of treatment; treatment procedures of exploration, desensitization, achievement landmarks, and replacement of stuttering reactions; and expected outcomes. 3 figures. 42 references.
Directories In addition to the references and resources discussed earlier in this chapter, a number of directories relating to stuttering have been published that consolidate information across various sources. These too might be useful in gaining access to additional guidance on stuttering. The Combined Health
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Information Database lists the following, which you may wish to consult in your local medical library:23 ·
Parent Resources: Agencies, Organizations, Support Groups Source: in DeFeo, A.B., ed. Parent Articles 2. San Antonio, TX: Communication Skill Builders. 1995. p. 213-234. Contact: Available from Communication Skill Builders. Customer Service, 555 Academic Court, San Antonio, TX 78204-2498. (800) 211-8378; Fax (800) 232-1223. Price: $55.00 plus shipping and handling. Order Number 076-163-0732. Summary: This appendix section is from a parent education skill builders textbook. The appendix lists agencies, organizations, and support groups that parents might want to contact as they work with developing communication skills in and with their child. National information and advocacy groups are listed, including groups for consumer information, education, financial aid, home care, legal assistance, nonoral communication, orthotics and prosthetics, psychiatry, psychology, rare disorders, rehabilitation, residential placement, self-help, severe disabilities, sibling support, social workers, and telephone usage for persons with disabilities. Also listed are national organizations for specific disabilities and conditions, including acoustic neuroma, autism, birth defects, chronic dizziness and balance disorders, cleft palate and craniofacial disorders, developmental disabilities, Down's syndrome, dyslexia, dystonia, genetic conditions, head injuries, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, mental retardation, neurofibromatosis, neurological disorders, stuttering, Tourette syndrome, and voice disorders and laryngectomies. The address and telephone number for each organization are noted.
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Self-Help Sourcebook: Finding and Forming Mutual Aid Self-Help Groups. 4th ed Source: Denville, NJ: American Self-Help Clearinghouse. 1992. 226 p. Contact: Available from American Self-Help Clearinghouse. Attn: Sourcebook, St. Clares-Riverside Medical Center, 25 Pocono Road,
You will need to limit your search to “Directories” and stuttering using the “Detailed Search” option. Go to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find directories, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by”. For publication date, select “All Years”, select language and the format option “Directory”. By making these selections and typing in “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box, you will only receive results on directories dealing with stuttering. You should check back periodically with this database as it is updated every three months. 23
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Denville, NJ 07834. Voice (201) 625-7101; TTY (201) 625-9053. Price: $9.00 book rate; $10.00 first class mail. ISBN: 0963432206. Summary: This sourcebook lists self-help groups in a wide variety of topic areas, including addictions and dependencies, bereavement, disabilities, health, mental health, parenting and family, physical and/or emotional abuse, and miscellaneous categories. Topics relevant to deafness and communication disorders include acoustic neuroma, alternative/augmentative communication, autism, cleft palate and cleft lip, cochlear implants, developmental disabilities, developmentally delayed children, Down syndrome, dystonia, ear anomalies, elective mutism, hearing impairment, inner ear problems, laryngectomy, latedeafened adults, learning disabilities, Meniere's disease, neck-head-oral cancer, parents of children with hearing impairment, speech dysfunction, speech impairments, stuttering, tinnitus, Tourette syndrome, and Usher's syndrome. In addition to basic information about the self-help groups, the sourcebook lists self-help clearinghouses, toll-free helplines, resources for rare disorders, resources for genetic disorders, housing and neighborhood resources and resources for the homeless, how-to ideas for developing self-help groups, and using a home computer for mutual help. The book includes a bibliography and key word index.
General Home References In addition to references for stuttering, you may want a general home medical guide that spans all aspects of home healthcare. The following list is a recent sample of such guides (sorted alphabetically by title; hyperlinks provide rankings, information, and reviews at Amazon.com): · Human Communication Disorders: An Introduction by George H. Shames, et al; Hardcover - 768 pages, 5th edition (February 3, 1998), Allyn & Bacon; ISBN: 0205270026; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0205270026/icongroupinterna · Management of Motor Speech Disorders in Children and Adults by Kathryn M. Yorkston (Editor); Hardcover, 2nd edition (July 2001), Pro Ed; ISBN: 0890797846; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890797846/icongroupinterna
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Vocabulary Builder Adolescence: The period of life beginning with the appearance of secondary sex characteristics and terminating with the cessation of somatic growth. The years usually referred to as adolescence lie between 13 and 18 years of age. [NIH]
Ataxia: Failure of muscular coordination; irregularity of muscular action. [EU]
Bereavement: Refers to the whole process of grieving and mourning and is associated with a deep sense of loss and sadness. [NIH] Confusion: Disturbed orientation in regard to time, place, or person, sometimes accompanied by disordered consciousness. [EU] Dizziness: An imprecise term which may refer to a sense of spatial disorientation, motion of the environment, or lightheadedness. [NIH] Dysarthria: Imperfect articulation of speech due to disturbances of muscular control which result from damage to the central or peripheral nervous system. [EU] Heredity: 1. the genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring. 2. the genetic constitution of an individual. [EU] Hypertension: Persistently high arterial blood pressure. Various criteria for its threshold have been suggested, ranging from 140 mm. Hg systolic and 90 mm. Hg diastolic to as high as 200 mm. Hg systolic and 110 mm. Hg diastolic. Hypertension may have no known cause (essential or idiopathic h.) or be associated with other primary diseases (secondary h.). [EU] Laryngectomy: Total or partial excision of the larynx. [NIH] Limbic: Pertaining to a limbus, or margin; forming a border around. [EU] Mutism: Inability or refusal to speak. [EU] Shame: An emotional attitude excited by realization of a shortcoming or impropriety. [NIH] Spastic: 1. of the nature of or characterized by spasms. 2. hypertonic, so that the muscles are stiff and the movements awkward. 3. a person exhibiting spasticity, such as occurs in spastic paralysis or in cerebral palsy. [EU] Surgical: Of, pertaining to, or correctable by surgery. [EU] Tinnitus: A noise in the ears, as ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, etc. Such sounds may at times be heard by others than the patient. [EU] Vestibular: Pertaining to or toward a vestibule. In dental anatomy, used to refer to the tooth surface directed toward the vestibule of the mouth. [EU]
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CHAPTER 7. MULTIMEDIA ON STUTTERING Overview Information on stuttering can come in a variety of formats. Among multimedia sources, video productions, slides, audiotapes, and computer databases are often available. In this chapter, we show you how to keep current on multimedia sources of information on stuttering. We start with sources that have been summarized by federal agencies, and then show you how to find bibliographic information catalogued by the National Library of Medicine. If you see an interesting item, visit your local medical library to check on the availability of the title.
Video Recordings Most diseases do not have a video dedicated to them. If they do, they are often rather technical in nature. An excellent source of multimedia information on stuttering is the Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit your search to “video recording” and “stuttering” using the “Detailed Search” option. Go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find video productions, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Videorecording (videotape, videocassette, etc.).” By making these selections and typing “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box, you will only receive results on video productions. The following is a typical result when searching for video recordings on stuttering:
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Stuttering and the Preschool Child: Help for Families Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America. 2000. (videocassette). Contact: Available from Stuttering Foundation of America. 3100 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 603, P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. (800) 992-9392. Website: www.stutterSFA.org. Price: Single copy free, plus shipping and handling. Summary: This videotape program is designed for a wide range of uses: for families whose child is stuttering, for speech language pathologists working with preschoolers, and for school, clinic, university, and hospital settings. In the first section of the program, parents recount their emotions and reactions when their child first began to stutter. Stuttering experts and parents recommend a number of immediate, practical steps to help the child. The second section describes factors that put a child at risk for stuttering. Experienced clinicians discuss the importance of a thorough evaluation of the child, carefully taking into account the interactions of risk factors. The final section covers treatment options. Viewers see therapy sessions with experts working with preschool children. The goal of the videotape program is to help families understand stuttering and make changes to promote more fluent speech. The program includes the contact information for the Stuttering Foundation of America (800-992-9392 or www.stutteringhelp.org ).
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Neuroimaging Investigations of Stuttering Source: Tucson, AZ: National Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders, University of Arizona. 1999. (videocassette). Contact: Available from National Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders, University of Arizona. P.O. Box 210071, Tucson, AZ 857210071. (520) 621-1472. Fax (520) 621-2226. Price: $25.00 plus shipping and handling. Order Number TR-47. Summary: This videotape program, which is part of the Telerounds videoconference series from the National Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders at the University of Arizona (funded partly by NIDCD), presents an overview of recent research on the neurophysiology of chronic developmental stuttering. The presentation focuses on some recent brain imaging investigations of stuttering in adult males using positron emission tomography (PET). This research has been designed to identify neural regions that may be functionally related to stuttering. One study found that stuttering was characterized by extensive hyperactivity of the motor system with right lateralization of primary and extraprimary motor cortices and that auditory association area activities were
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essentially absent in people who stutter. Another study found that when subjects were not speaking, there were no differences between people who stuttered and controls for any regional blood flow values. These latter findings do not support the suggestion that developmental stuttering is associated with abnormalities of brain blood flow at rest. The speaker considers the implications of these findings for theory and treatment. The program concludes by answering questions asked by the host and phoned in by the teleconference audience and by providing information about joining Centernet, the online forum operated by the Center. ·
Stuttering and Your Child: A Videotape for Parents Source: Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America. 1994. (videocassette). Contact: Stuttering Foundation of America. P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749. (800) 992-9392 or (901) 452-7343; Fax (901) 452-7343; Fax (901) 452-3931; E-mail:
[email protected]; http://www.stutterSFA.org. Price: $10.00 each. Item Number 75. Summary: Narrated by Denise DuBois, this parent education videotape provides information about stuttering in children. Three sections are presented: what stuttering in young children sounds like and looks like; common questions about causes of stuttering and why stuttering occurs intermittently; and important things parents can do to help. The videotape depicts common dysfluencies of childhood, including phrase repetition, revision and interjection. The video also depicts less common dysfluencies that might indicate that the child is at risk for stuttering, such as repetitions of sounds or syllables, repetition of short words, sound prolongations, and stoppages or blockages of speech. The videotape focuses on children between two and eight years of age.
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Doctor Is In: Stuttering Source: Lebanon, NH: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1993. Contact: Available from Films for the Humanities and Sciences, P.O. Box 2053, Princeton, NJ 08543-2053. (800)257-5126. Price: $149.00. Summary: This videocassette, produced for the general public, discusses many facets of stuttering. It presents interviews with individuals who stutter who discuss coping with the impact of stuttering. A section of the video is dedicated to the effects of stuttering on children, teens, and parents. In addition, a discussion of research on the causes of stuttering is presented.
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Stuttering is Not Funny Source: Washington, DC: Center for Compassion. 199x. (Videocassette). Contact: Available from Center for Compassion. 7611 12th Street, NW, Washington,DC 20012. (202) 723-8835. Price: $11.00 plus shipping and handling. Summary: In this videotape, John Alhbach, the director of the National Stuttering Association (NSA), describes the program offered by the organization. NSA members relate the personal satisfaction they derive from participation in support groups, workshops, and conventions. Alhback also describes the philosophy, influence, and materials of the NSP in detail. The videotape is designed to impart a sense of comradery among people who stutter.
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Look at Stuttering Source: Washington, DC: Center for Compassion. 199x. (Videocassette). Contact: Available from Center for Compassion. 7611 12th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012. (202) 723-8835. Price: $15.00 plus shipping and handling. Summary: In this videotape, Dr. Rex Naylor answers some common questions about stuttering. Dr. Naylor, a speech therapist as well as a person who stuttered, discusses the causes and treatment of stuttering and offers helpful advice to parents and teachers about relating to children who stutter. Related topics such as employment, job discrimination, listener roles, and personal attitudes are also examined. (AA-M).
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Preventing Stuttering in the Preschool Child: A Video Program for Parents Source: Tucson, AZ: Communication Skill Builders, Inc. 1989. (videocassette; teaching guide; study guide). Contact: Available from Communication Skill Builders. The Psychological Corporation, Order Service Center, P.O. Box 839954, San Antonio, TX 78283-3954. Voice (800) 211-8378; TTY (800) 723-1318; Fax (800) 232-1223. Price: $105.00 plus shipping and handling. Item Number 7759-CS4. ISBN: 0761677593. Summary: This videotape program is designed for use with parents of preschool to 6-year-old children who are concerned about their children's fluency. Clips of parent-child interactions show parents how to apply indirect therapy techniques to enhance fluency in their young children. Parents learn how and when to modify their speech behaviors to
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positively influence their children's speech. The program illustrates tips such as reducing the rate of speech, reducing sentence lengths, and using a quieter voice. Along with a clear overview of stuttering, the program covers what the core behaviors of stuttering look and sound like; differences between normal speech disruptions and stuttering; the rationale for treatment based on an integrated concept of causal factors; what to do when a child is experiencing major dysfluencies; and when to seek professional help. The program includes a Professional (teacher's) Guide that reviews the research supporting these treatment techniques and contains an extensive bibliography. Five Parent Guides summarize all the information in the video and give a checklist of important concepts. (AA-M). ·
Stuttering and Other Speech Disorders Source: Princeton, NJ: Films for the Humanities and Sciences. 1987. (videocassette). Contact: Available from Films for the Humanities and Sciences. P.O. Box 2053, Princeton, NJ 08543. (800) 257-5126 or (609) 275-1400; Fax (609) 2753767. Price: $149.00 plus shipping and handling. Item Number AS1468. Summary: This video program focuses on stuttering, speech problems resulting from trauma, and therapies used to treat these disorders. The program profiles a 41-year old man who stutters. He describes how this speech impediment has affected his life. The program shows how selfhelp groups are helping people who stutter. It emphasizes how important it is for parents to recognize the problem early. The program also shows a 17-year old girl learning to speak again after suffering brain damage from oxygen deprivation. (AA-M).
Audio Recordings The Combined Health Information Database contains abstracts on audio productions. To search CHID, go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find audio productions, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Sound Recordings.” By making these selections and typing “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box, you will only receive results on sound recordings (again, most diseases do not have results, so do not expect to find many). The following is a typical result when searching for sound recordings on stuttering:
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Source for Stuttering and Cluttering Source: East Moline, IL: LinguiSystems, Inc. 1996. 209 p. Contact: Available from LinguiSystems, Inc. 3100 4th Avenue, East Moline, IL 61244-9700. (800) 776-4332. PRICE: $37.95 plus shipping and handling. Summary: This manual and accompanying audiotape describe a basic treatment program for stuttering that is organized into two phases: the orientation and motor-speech phase, and the attitudinal and cognitive strategies necessary for lasting improvement. The author also identifies, describes, and differentiates from typical stutterers a separate group of clients known as clutterers. Clutterers tend to be slow-changing, atypical stuttering clients, many of whom also show poor awareness, significant language disturbances, poor oral-motor abilities, rapid or fluctuating rates of speech, and difficulty with topic maintenance. The chapters in phase one focus on fluency enhancement strategies, facilitating oralmotor coordination, and self-monitoring. Cognitive and self-instructional strategies discussed include guided relaxation, mental imagery, affirmation training, and self-talk strategies. The accompanying audiocassette includes brief remarks about stuttering; examples of constant voicing for client practice or to assist clinicians in modeling; two relaxation exercises; a discussion of common mistakes stutterers make in therapy; brief remarks about cluttering; the differences between stuttering and cluttering; examples of clients who clutter; and assessment issues for cluttering, including a case example. 99 references. (AA-M).
Bibliography: Multimedia on Stuttering The National Library of Medicine is a rich source of information on healthcare-related multimedia productions including slides, computer software, and databases. To access the multimedia database, go to the following Web site: http://locatorplus.gov/. Select “Search LOCATORplus.” Once in the search area, simply type in stuttering (or synonyms). Then, in the option box provided below the search box, select “Audiovisuals and Computer Files.” From there, you can choose to sort results by publication date, author, or relevance. The following multimedia has been indexed on stuttering. For more information, follow the hyperlink indicated: ·
Assessment and management of stuttering in children. Source: produced by Health Sciences Media Services, University of Alberta; Year: 1989; Format: Videorecording; [Canada?: The Services, 1989]
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Cognitive approach to fluency treatment : difficulties encountered: a student clinician's viewpoint. Source: by Thomas Metzger & Joseph Germono; Year: 1980; Format: Videorecording; [Boston, Mass.: Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, 1980] Do you stutter? : straight talk for teens. Source: Stuttering Foundation of America; Year: 1996; Format: Videorecording; Memphis, TN: The Foundation, c1996 Keeping speech stutter-free : a case study. Source: produced by Media Resource Center, Meyer Children's Rehabilitation Institute and Biomedical Communications, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Year: 1983; Format: Videorecording; [Omaha, Neb.]: The Institute, c1983 Language development. Source: McGraw-Hill Films; [produced by] CRM Productions; Year: 1973; Format: Videorecording; [Del Mar, Calif.]: Communications Research Machines, c1973 Neuroimaging investigations of stuttering. Source: National Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders; Year: 1999; Format: Videorecording; [Tucson, Ariz.]: Arizona Board of Regents, 1999 Speaking of courage. Source: produced in association with the Harmonize for Speech Fund, Ontario District Association of Chapters of S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., produced in association with TVOntario, produced by Condor Productions; Year: 1992; Format: Videorecording; [Canada: s.n.], c1992 Stuttering and your child : a videotape for parents. Source: Stuttering Foundation of America; Year: 1994; Format: Videorecording; Memphis, TN: The Foundation, c1994 Stuttering, diagnosis and management with school-aged children. Source: Indiana Association of Psi Iota Xi, Inc; Year: 1983; Format: Videorecording; [S.l.: s.n., 1983] Stuttering. Source: a presentation of Films for the Humanities & Sciences; a production of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; Year: 1993; Format: Videorecording; Lebanon, N.H.: DHMC, c1993 Stutter-like behavior in the sign language of two deaf children : case presentations. Source: produced by the National Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders of the University of Arizona; Year: 1996; Format: Videorecording; [Tucson, Ariz.]: Arizona Board of Regents, c1996 Voices to remember. Source: created, produced & directed by Vladimir Bondarenko, in association with the Harmonize for Speech Fund, Ontario District Association of Chapters of S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A.; produced by Condor Productions; Year: 1992; Format: Videorecording; [Canada: s.n.], c1992
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CHAPTER 8. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON STUTTERING Overview Keeping up on the news relating to stuttering can be challenging. Subscribing to targeted periodicals can be an effective way to stay abreast of recent developments on stuttering. Periodicals include newsletters, magazines, and academic journals. In this chapter, we suggest a number of news sources and present various periodicals that cover stuttering beyond and including those which are published by patient associations mentioned earlier. We will first focus on news services, and then on periodicals. News services, press releases, and newsletters generally use more accessible language, so if you do chose to subscribe to one of the more technical periodicals, make sure that it uses language you can easily follow.
News Services & Press Releases Well before articles show up in newsletters or the popular press, they may appear in the form of a press release or a public relations announcement. One of the simplest ways of tracking press releases on stuttering is to search the news wires. News wires are used by professional journalists, and have existed since the invention of the telegraph. Today, there are several major “wires” that are used by companies, universities, and other organizations to announce new medical breakthroughs. In the following sample of sources, we will briefly describe how to access each service. These services only post recent news intended for public viewing.
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PR Newswire Perhaps the broadest of the wires is PR Newswire Association, Inc. To access this archive, simply go to http://www.prnewswire.com. Below the search box, select the option “The last 30 days.” In the search box, type “stuttering” or synonyms. The search results are shown by order of relevance. When reading these press releases, do not forget that the sponsor of the release may be a company or organization that is trying to sell a particular product or therapy. Their views, therefore, may be biased. Reuters The Reuters’ Medical News database can be very useful in exploring news archives relating to stuttering. While some of the listed articles are free to view, others can be purchased for a nominal fee. To access this archive, go to http://www.reutershealth.com/frame2/arch.html and search by “stuttering” (or synonyms). The following was recently listed in this archive for stuttering: ·
Stuttering linked to brain abnormalities Source: Reuters Health eLine Date: July 23, 2001 http://www.reuters.gov/archive/2001/07/23/eline/links/20010723elin 006.html
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Anatomic brain anomalies linked to stuttering Source: Reuters Medical News Date: July 23, 2001 http://www.reuters.gov/archive/2001/07/23/professional/links/20010 723scie005.html
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Stuttering appears to have genetic basis Source: Reuters Medical News Date: November 30, 1999 http://www.reuters.gov/archive/1999/11/30/professional/links/19991 130epid001.html
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Stuttering highly influenced by genetics Source: Reuters Health eLine Date: November 23, 1999 http://www.reuters.gov/archive/1999/11/23/eline/links/19991123elin 011.html
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Cessation of stuttering after stroke points to mechanism Source: Reuters Medical News Date: September 13, 1999 http://www.reuters.gov/archive/1999/09/13/professional/links/19990 913clin007.html
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PET Study Lends Support For At Least Five Separate Hypotheses On Etiology Of Stuttering Source: Reuters Medical News Date: July 11, 1996 http://www.reuters.gov/archive/1996/07/11/professional/links/19960 711scie003.html
The NIH Within MEDLINEplus, the NIH has made an agreement with the New York Times Syndicate, the AP News Service, and Reuters to deliver news that can be browsed by the public. Search news releases at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_a.html. MEDLINEplus allows you to browse across an alphabetical index. Or you can search by date at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/newsbydate.html. Often, news items are indexed by MEDLINEplus within their search engine.
Business Wire Business Wire is similar to PR Newswire. To access this archive, simply go to http://www.businesswire.com. You can scan the news by industry category or company name.
Internet Wire Internet Wire is more focused on technology than the other wires. To access this site, go to http://www.internetwire.com and use the “Search Archive” option. Type in “stuttering” (or synonyms). As this service is oriented to technology, you may wish to search for press releases covering diagnostic procedures or tests that you may have read about.
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Search Engines Free-to-view news can also be found in the news section of your favorite search engines (see the health news page at Yahoo: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/News_and_Media/, or use this Web site’s general news search page http://news.yahoo.com/. Type in “stuttering” (or synonyms). If you know the name of a company that is relevant to stuttering, you can go to any stock trading Web site (such as www.etrade.com) and search for the company name there. News items across various news sources are reported on indicated hyperlinks.
BBC Covering news from a more European perspective, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) allows the public free access to their news archive located at http://www.bbc.co.uk/. Search by “stuttering” (or synonyms).
Newsletters on Stuttering Given their focus on current and relevant developments, newsletters are often more useful to patients than academic articles. You can find newsletters using the Combined Health Information Database (CHID). You will need to use the “Detailed Search” option. To access CHID, go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. Your investigation must limit the search to “Newsletter” and “stuttering.” Go to the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language that you prefer. For the format option, select “Newsletter.” By making these selections and typing in “stuttering” or synonyms into the “For these words:” box, you will only receive results on newsletters. The following list was generated using the options described above: ·
Letting Go: The Monthly Publication of the National Stuttering Project Source: Anaheim Hills, CA: National Stuttering Association. 199x. (newsletter). Contact: Available from National Stuttering Association. 5100 East La Palma Avenue, Number 208, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807. (800) 364-1677. Fax (714) 693-7554. E-mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.nsastutter.org. PRICE: Annual membership subscription $35.00 regular or $15.00 for student or low-income subscribers.
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Summary: Letting Go is a monthly publication produced by the National Stuttering Association, which is dedicated to supporting people who stutter. The newsletter includes regular articles, poetry, letters from readers about their own experiences, and a chapter news section.
Newsletter Articles If you choose not to subscribe to a newsletter, you can nevertheless find references to newsletter articles. We recommend that you use the Combined Health Information Database, while limiting your search criteria to “newsletter articles.” Again, you will need to use the “Detailed Search” option. Go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. Go to the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language that you prefer. For the format option, select “Newsletter Article.” By making these selections, and typing in “stuttering” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box, you will only receive results on newsletter articles. You should check back periodically with this database as it is updated every 3 months. The following is a typical result when searching for newsletter articles on stuttering: ·
Stuttering and Singing: Is There a Connection? Source: Voice Foundation Newsletter. 5(1): 3-4. January 1999. Contact: Available from Voice Foundation. 1721 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. (215) 735-7999. Fax (215) 735-9293. E-mail:
[email protected]. Summary: This newsletter article ponders the connection between stuttering and singing. The author comments that people who stutter often do not stutter when singing. The author then reports on her findings from a study to determine why this is so. The author begins by defining stuttering and noting that the cause of the problem is still unknown. The best method of treatment is also an area of considerable disagreement. Many factors including the age of the person who stutters and the type of stuttering are important in choosing appropriate therapy. Treatment approaches include psychotherapy, fear reduction, relaxation, more efficient vocal technique, new ways of stuttering, negative reinforcements in the form of time outs as well as positive reinforcement, reducing rate of speech, increasing syllable duration, biofeedback techniques, reading aloud and in unison with others, and even masking
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the sound of the person's voice (so that the individual cannot hear himself or herself while speaking). Circumstances such as singing, speaking rhythmically, and choral speaking can markedly decrease stuttering. The author concludes by posing some possible reasons why stuttering often disappears with singing. ·
Children Are to be Seen and Heard Source: Letting Go: The Monthly Publication of the National Stuttering Project. p. 6-7. April 1997. Contact: Available from National Stuttering Association. 5100 East La Palma Avenue, Suite 208, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807. (800) 364-1677. Fax (714) 693-7554. E-mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.nsastutter.org. Summary: This newsletter article emphasizes to parents the importance of healthy child-rearing activities for children who stutter, as well as for those children who do not. The authors review the typical family schedule with two working parents, children in school and after school activities, and not much opportunity for calm, unpressured communication times. The authors emphasize that children communicate through play and parents can do much by focusing on what the child is doing, rather than how he or she is doing it. The authors conclude the article by reiterating the fact that parents do not cause stuttering, but that they can help the child who stutters by providing a supportive, realistic environment.
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Stuttering Therapy: The Two Sides of the Coin Source: Stuttering Foundation of America Newsletter. 5(2): 1,3,7. Fall 1996. Summary: This newsletter article introduces a two-pronged approach to speech language therapy for stuttering. The author describes the importance of decreasing sensitivity to stuttering and disfluency in general, while continuing therapy to enhance fluency. Also called the 'stutter-more-easily' approach, the role of decreasing sensitivity is emphasized as crucial to the long-term maintenance of any fluency gains in therapy. The author concludes with a short report on his experiences at an international meeting of clinicians and people who stutter. He briefly compares the approaches of each country with the results they obtain. 3 references.
Periodicals and News 135
Academic Periodicals covering Stuttering Academic periodicals can be a highly technical yet valuable source of information on stuttering. We have compiled the following list of periodicals known to publish articles relating to stuttering and which are currently indexed within the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database (follow hyperlinks to view more information, summaries, etc., for each). In addition to these sources, to keep current on articles written on stuttering published by any of the periodicals listed below, you can simply follow the hyperlink indicated or go to the following Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type the periodical’s name into the search box to find the latest studies published. If you want complete details about the historical contents of a periodical, you can also visit http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi. Here, type in the name of the journal or its abbreviation, and you will receive an index of published articles. At http://locatorplus.gov/ you can retrieve more indexing information on medical periodicals (e.g. the name of the publisher). Select the button “Search LOCATORplus.” Then type in the name of the journal and select the advanced search option “Journal Title Search.” The following is a sample of periodicals which publish articles on stuttering: ·
Behaviour Research and Therapy. (Behav Res Ther) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi?field=0®exp=Behaviour+ Research+and+Therapy&dispmax=20&dispstart=0
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Human Physiology. (Hum Physiol) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi?field=0®exp=Human+Phy siology&dispmax=20&dispstart=0
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Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. (J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi?field=0®exp=Journal+of+ Behavior+Therapy+and+Experimental+Psychiatry&dispmax=20&dispstart=0
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Journal of Communication Disorders. (J
