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From:
Date: 10/4/02
Time: 11:56:32 PM
Remote Name: 66.171.51.239
I cannot comment on my own first-hand observations of speech therapy. I usually work in conjunction with speech therapists in a role where I evaluate the possible benefits of medication. Though, sometimes I engage patients in cognitive-behavioral therapy to decrease anticipatory anxiety. As it relates to speech therapy, I rely on the therapists’ judgment for continued speech therapy and the wishes of the patient.
The 60% to 80% response to speech therapy is widely cited in the literature. I referenced Edward Conture’s 1996 article “Treatment Efficacy: Stuttering,” however, I could have cited many other articles. The origin of this response rate is from Oliver Bloodstein’s “Handbook of Stuttering,” where he reviewed over a hundred studies of the treatment of adult stuttering and calculated the response rate.
I do agree with your opinion on changing the mindset of the patient, and this is one of the points I wanted to convey in the article. With instruction and practice one can improve fluency and I use the concept of brain plasticity as encouragement to patients to engage speech therapy.