C. Woodruff Starkweather
Published: 1996
Total Pages: 258
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This book presents historical perspectives, current political issues, and definition of terms in regard to stuttering, characteristics of the development of stuttering, as well as an overall description of new methods of treatment. It is coauthored by a leading expert in the field and a person who stutters. The stated purpose of this book is to provide information about newer assessment and therapy techniques that have not been widely disseminated. These include combining fluency-enhancing and stuttering modification techniques, the use of Gestalt experiential therapy and principles of 12-step recovery programs, as well as recommendations for treatment of preschool and school-aged children who are beginning to stutter. The authors state that this book is written for speech-language pathologists, for individuals who stutter, and for parents of children who stutter. The first author is well qualified with over 30 years of experience in the field of fluency disorders. The style is straightforward and easy to read. Unique features include a list of self-help organizations that are resources for the person who stutters, the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association Guidelines for Practice in Stuttering Treatment, and a story for group-telling for preschool children at risk for stuttering. This book is a helpful addition to the library of experienced clinicians who want to incorporate recent approaches into fluency treatment, as well as for more junior clinicians who want to learn about a broad array of therapy techniques. The inclusion of basic definitions and fundamental information about stuttering make it a usable resource for the lay person.