[ Contents | Search |Previous | Up ]
From: Klaas Bakker, MSU, Springfield MO.
Date: 15 Apr 2010
Time: 21:08:37 -0500
Remote Name: 173.22.193.98
I am siding with John on the difficulty of answering the first part of your question, but I would like to add that there are some other conditions that must be met before we can meaningfully ask and research what causes cluttering. I think the first question to be answered is to determine exactly what cluttering is to begin with. With that narrowed down we can start discussing reasonable hypotheses and ultimately theories. So for me the first step is get a solid grip on what cluttering is (and what it isn't). That knowledge then would allows us to research groups of people who are similar in this respect to determine the probability of certain causes. An important step in my opinion is to come to an agreed and successful definition (I am co-author on one a "working definition" of cluttering that was formulated to allow for further research; such research we hope may lead to refinements of the definition). Having a definition is close to but not quite the same as having a diagnostic classification, and many of us are now working refinements of the classification. My educated guesses of potential causes would be (1) difference in brain functioning (possibly related to "striatal cortex" the general area where the Basal Ganglia are found, (2) genetic predispositions, and (3) overlap with the causes of stuttering (which we don't have either at this point). My sense is that the level of knowledge, evidence, and research is considerably behind with what has already occurred in the case of explaining stuttering with no significant avail. I do believe the moment has come that we may have the energy and courage to begin to invest in thorough research so lasting progress can be made. I'll leave the question about treatment to others.