As a speech-language pathologist, you're constantly seeking effective, evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of children who stutter. A recent study, "Eye movement as a simple, cost-effective tool for people who stutter: A case study," presents a promising approach that may revolutionize stuttering therapy.
The study explores the potential of using specific, timed eye movements to help manage stuttering. The participant, a 21-year-old male with developmental stuttering, demonstrated significant improvements across various assessment measures, including the Stuttering Severity Instrument-4 (SSI-4) and the Overall Assessment of Speakers Experience of Stuttering (OASES-A).
Key Findings:
- Reduction in Stuttering Severity: The participant's stuttering severity decreased by 65% from baseline to 24 months post-intervention.
- Improved Quality of Life: The OASES-A scores showed a 29% improvement, moving from moderate-severe to mild-moderate impact.
- Enhanced Locus of Control: The participant reported a 31% increase in internal locus of control, suggesting greater empowerment in managing stuttering.
- Reduction in Anticipatory Anxiety: The Premonitory Awareness in Stuttering (PAiS) scores decreased by 56%, indicating reduced anxiety before stuttering moments.
This novel approach aligns with the holistic nature of stuttering treatment, addressing core behaviors, secondary behaviors, and the emotional impact of stuttering. The study suggests that conscious eye movements can help individuals gain better control over their speech motor functions, thereby reducing stuttering incidents.
What makes this intervention particularly exciting is its accessibility. The instructions for the eye movement technique can be easily translated into any language and delivered remotely, making it an excellent option for telepractice. This could be a game-changer for children in underserved communities who may not have access to traditional speech therapy services.
Implementing this technique in your practice could offer a new, effective tool to help children who stutter. Given the promising results, further research and pilot trials are justified to validate these findings and expand their applicability.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Eye movement as a simple, cost-effective tool for people who stutter: A case study.
