Speech treatment
The treatment for adults and teenagers with the best evidence involves them learning how to control their stuttering. This is commonly called speech restructuring. Speech restructuring involves learning to speak in a way that is known to minimise stuttering. Although the technique requires some effort, people who stutter find that it can make a big difference to their lives. It has been used for decades in intensive group programs for chronic stuttering. In speech-restructuring treatment, people are first trained to use the speech technique in a very slow and exaggerated manner. They then increase their speech rate and learn to sound as natural as possible while still controlling their stuttering. The technique is learned from a qualified speech pathologist first, and then people continue to use the technique to control stuttering in everyday speaking situations.
Researchers at the Australian Stuttering Research Centre and colleagues around Australia have developed a speech-restructuring technique called the Camperdown Program. A randomised controlled trial showed that this method of treatment can be delivered effectively by a qualified speech pathologist via telepractice (or telehealth), using a webcam over the internet. In other words, the client and speech pathologist can be in different locations, even in different countries, for the delivery of the program. Teenagers particularly like this because they are comfortable using digital devices in their everyday lives.
Dealing with anxiety
Adults and teenagers who stutter commonly experience anxiety about speaking, known as social anxiety. Anxiety of this type can impact on job performance and participation in social activities. Also, having social anxiety can make it difficult to control stuttering when using speech restructuring. For all of these reasons, we recommend treatment for social anxiety if those who stutter experience it.
The therapy of choice for social anxiety is cognitive behaviour therapy or CBT, which is a well-established psychological approach. CBT is based upon the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The therapy focuses on thoughts and behaviours that are causing distress or interfering with life. Therapy teaches elimination of avoidance behaviours, confrontation of fears, and changing negative or unhelpful thinking patterns.
The Australian Stuttering Research Centre team has developed a standalone internet treatment, called iGlebe, specifically to treat the social anxiety of those who stutter. This digital platform provides treatment for social anxiety without the need for a clinical psychologist or a speech pathologist. The iGlebe treatment is available to the public free of charge.
If you have concerns about stuttering or stuttering related anxiety, please contact a speech pathologist or psychologist. (See Where can I access treatment?)