Treatment For Older Children and Adults Who Stutter

Speaking disorders include stuttering. The speech pattern is broken when words are repeated or sounds are prolonged. Preschoolers are most likely to experience developmental stuttering, and most get over it either naturally or with help from a specialist. Nonetheless, stuttering symptoms are present in over 25% of the impacted children well into adulthood. Their general quality of life and communication abilities are greatly impacted by this. Therefore, a more thorough approach to stuttering speech therapy is needed for older children and adults who stutter. Let’s examine the employed treatment plan

Stuttering In Older Children And Adults

Unlike stuttering in young children, the condition in older children and adults is more complex. This is due to the prolonged period of stuttering. From a speech disorder it manifests into a behavioral condition with marked secondary issues like physical awkwardness, frustration and aversion, and emotional distress. These negative traits and emotions lead to withdrawal from social situations. It lowers self-esteem and makes them low on self-confidence.

Thus, treating stuttering in older children and adults is difficult and more challenging. It requires a differential diagnosis of stuttering that can be done only by a certified speech-language pathologist or a trained speech therapist.

Types Of Stuttering

A range of factors contribute to stuttering. Genetics, emotional or physical trauma, and neurological illness are some of the most pronounced reasons for stuttering. Based on their probable cause, stuttering is broadly classified under four heads. These are:

• Developmental Stuttering – As preschoolers begin to acquire new speech and language skills they are likely to stutter. Children typically outgrow the condition with age. 

• Drug-Induced Stuttering – Certain medications or an overdose can trigger speech disfluencies. This type of stuttering is reversible and gets back to normal speech levels once the drug is withdrawn. 

• Neurogenic Stuttering – Changes in the portion of the brain responsible for speech processing lead to neurogenic stuttering. A stroke or brain tumor are the likely causes. 

• Psychogenic Stuttering – It is often a result of severe emotional trauma and psychological distress. Chronic depression and severe anxiety may trigger psychogenic stuttering. 

Stuttering symptoms triggered by neurogenic and psychogenic stuttering are irreversible. Coping techniques are the best way to manage the condition. 

Severity Of Symptoms And Expert Diagnosis

Adults who stutter must go in for a professional diagnosis of stuttering and its type. A professional taking up a Speech-Language Pathology assistants job is the best person to consult for the correct diagnosis.

The certified professional will evaluate the symptoms using several assessment tools like the speech and language evaluation test, speech rate analysis, and factors like family history and individual traits. The healthcare provider will also look into deeper issues like the patient’s mental health, social skills, and how stuttering affects their overall ability to conduct themselves. 

Treatment For Older Children and Adults Who Stutter

Depending upon the severity of the stuttering symptoms, a treatment plan for older children and adults is devised. It may combine one or more treatment options. These include:

• Speech Therapy

Professionals applying for speech therapy jobs Los Angeles are at the center stage of the treatment. Their skill and knowledge come in handy to document effective outcomes. During a regular stuttering speech therapy session, the speech therapist will help manage the pace of your words. Being aware of situations, conditions, and environments that trigger stuttering and managing them effectively is done through stuttering modification techniques and fluency shaping modules. 

Thanks to advancements in technology, speech therapy sessions can be received in-person (face-to-face at the center) or online using anti-stuttering apps, and teletherapy. 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Psychological Counseling 

For individuals where the stuttering symptoms go beyond the speech imperfections and disruptions, traditional speech therapy is coupled with psychological counseling and behavioral therapy to improve treatment outcomes. 

The sessions for adults who stutter address issues like stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts. These sessions offer a more holistic approach to the treatment of stuttering in adults and help them resolve negative feelings and improve their communication skills. 

• Electronic Devices

For individuals with severe stuttering and associated symptoms, the need for technological intervention becomes important. Modern-day speech therapy sessions incorporate electronic devices like DAF (delayed auditory feedback) and FAF (frequency-altered feedback) to help adults who stutter. At the outset, the device helps the speaker to slow down their speech. Subsequently, it allows the speaker to hear their voice. The feedback helps them bring about the necessary modulations in voice. The treatment works best when received under the guidance of a trained speech-language pathologist. 

• Support Groups

Support groups are formal gatherings of people suffering from the same condition. Such groups provide a platform for the members to share their life experiences, fears, challenges, expectations, and treatment progress. Joining a support group for stuttering can make one aware that they are not alone in the fight. This is a significant relief and source of encouragement. 

During the sessions, one can openly communicate about their problem. The feeling of not being judged helps them overcome their inhibitions. This slowly helps them connect and communicate with group members and the outside world. The sessions also provide important insights into self-treatment and other avenues of therapy. 

Final Thoughts

Adults with advanced stuttering symptoms are vulnerable to social anxiety and emotional distress. Seeking expert advice and assistance is crucial to help them cope up with challenges.  A reputed and established speech therapy center like the LA Speech Therapy Solutions in Los Angeles offers customized support to individuals battling the condition. With state-of-the-art individualized stuttering therapy solutions, they help overcome fluency disorders with remarkable improvements. Schedule an evaluation with a certified speech-language pathologist for personalized support.