RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Stuttering: recent developments in theory and in therapy
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 357
OP 360
VO 119
IS 4
A1 E. Boberg
A1 R. Shea
YR 1978
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/119/4/357.abstract
AB When parents are concerned about the development of stuttering in their child they often consult their pediatrician or family physician. Theories on the development of stuttering are briefly examined in this article, and guidelines are provided to help the physician determine if the child's dysfluencies are within the normal range. Referral to a speech therapist should be considered when any of the following are noted: excessive repetition of the first syllable of words; tremor of the muscles of mouth or jaw, increase in pitch or loudness, or evidence of fear or emotion as the child struggles with a word; evidence that the child avoids certain words or situations; and excessive concern of parents, teachers or the dysfluent individual. Two approaches to therapy, traditional and behavioural, are described. The latter has resulted in significant gains in fluency among stutterers.