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From: Kathy Scaler Scott
Date: 20 Oct 2007
Time: 22:53:16 -0500
Remote Name: 24.249.94.37
Your question about how common stuttering is in autism is the winner of the conference for the one most people want to know! Unfortunately, we don't have enough research yet to say. As far as modeling for therapy, perhaps it may be helpful, depends upon the case. For example, if a child has stuttering symptoms like blocking and tensin/struggle, and you model fluent speech, I doubt this would have much impact. The child may want to speak like you but can't. However, if you modeled an easier start to your words rather than tension and struggle, and you were working with a child who tended to model your speech, it might be something to consider, especially if the child might have trouble learning fluency strategies in a more cognitive manner. However,in most cases the child will need direct cues to follow your model as you teach him/her fluency strategies; they won't necessarily just model your speech on their own.