The Van Riper Stuttering Modification Approach was designed in the mid 1900’s by a speech-language pathologist, Charles Van Riper. Van Riper was a severe stutterer throughout the majority of his career, and is considered a pioneer in stuttering treatment (Shapiro, 1999). Van Riper used the correct assumption that there is no, one, effective treatment for stuttering. Therefore, he developed a program that aimed at the reduction of fear and anxiety in stuttering, using disclosure methods, and acceptance towards stuttering in patients who experienced frequent disfluencies (Van Riper, 1973). Van Riper’s approach allowed patients to feel comfortable with stuttering, but he also suggested the use of avoidance behaviors – which became the most controversial
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This device fits into the ear canal like a hearing aid. While in place, the speaker will hear his/her voice milliseconds after their utterance, much like an echo effect, at a different frequency. Users are able to hear their own voice, making the person more fluent and creating a “choral effect”. The choral effect occurs when a stutter is dramatically reduced when someone speaks or sings in unison (Pollard et al, 2006). Many testimonials suggest this technology is a miracle and works wonders for severe stutterers. Many large industries such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and ABC have endorsed the SpeechEasy device. Yet, researchers have found limited scientific evidence to support its claim and development. While this device is effective in reading and structured speaking monologues, it has been proven to be ineffective in stressful or spontaneous conversation (Pollard et al, …show more content…
There are aspects of this disorder that are internal, and external. Therefore, an effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach (Blomgren, 2010). A comprehensive approach would include behavioral modification and fluency shaping techniques. A treatment, like the newly developed Camperdown Program, should include speech restructuring – while focusing on the deeper attributes of stuttering such as anxiety, fear, and avoidance behaviors. The most optimal programs will educate patients on effective techniques to reduce a stutter, as well as building self-confidence and acceptance. The most effective programs that are comprehensive, are also intensive. Intensive programs use an immersion approach, since stuttering maintenance is similar to learning a new language (Blomgren, 2010). These programs are typically 2-4 weeks and consume the entirety of the day – up to 300 hours. While these programs are typically stressful, and expensive, they have proven to have the most significant, immediate results. Further sessions with a speech-language pathologist might be applicable, especially those with severe stutters, to maintain speech
This device fits into the ear canal like a hearing aid. While in place, the speaker will hear his/her voice milliseconds after their utterance, much like an echo effect, at a different frequency. Users are able to hear their own voice, making the person more fluent and creating a “choral effect”. The choral effect occurs when a stutter is dramatically reduced when someone speaks or sings in unison (Pollard et al, 2006). Many testimonials suggest this technology is a miracle and works wonders for severe stutterers. Many large industries such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and ABC have endorsed the SpeechEasy device. Yet, researchers have found limited scientific evidence to support its claim and development. While this device is effective in reading and structured speaking monologues, it has been proven to be ineffective in stressful or spontaneous conversation (Pollard et al, …show more content…
There are aspects of this disorder that are internal, and external. Therefore, an effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach (Blomgren, 2010). A comprehensive approach would include behavioral modification and fluency shaping techniques. A treatment, like the newly developed Camperdown Program, should include speech restructuring – while focusing on the deeper attributes of stuttering such as anxiety, fear, and avoidance behaviors. The most optimal programs will educate patients on effective techniques to reduce a stutter, as well as building self-confidence and acceptance. The most effective programs that are comprehensive, are also intensive. Intensive programs use an immersion approach, since stuttering maintenance is similar to learning a new language (Blomgren, 2010). These programs are typically 2-4 weeks and consume the entirety of the day – up to 300 hours. While these programs are typically stressful, and expensive, they have proven to have the most significant, immediate results. Further sessions with a speech-language pathologist might be applicable, especially those with severe stutters, to maintain speech