Stuttering and Cluttering: Frameworks for Understanding and Treatment

Stuttering and Cluttering provides a comprehensive overview of both theoretical and treatment aspects of disorders of fluency: stuttering (also known as stammering) and the lesser-known cluttering. The book demonstrates how treatment strategies relate to the various theories as to why stuttering and cluttering arise, and how they develop. Uniquely, it outlines the major approaches to treatment alongside alternative methods, including drug treatment and recent auditory feedback procedures. Part one looks at different perspectives on causation and development, emphasizing that in many cases these apparently different approaches are inextricably intertwined. Part two covers the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of stuttering and cluttering. In addition to chapters on established approaches, there are sections on alternative therapies, including drug therapy, and auditory feedback, together with a chapter on counselling. Reference is made to a number of established treatment programs, but the focus is on the more detailed description of specific landmark approaches. These provide a framework from which the reader may not only understand others’ treatment procedures, but also a perspective from which they can develop their own. Offering a clear, accessible and comprehensive account of both the theoretical underpinning of stammering therapy and its practical implications, the book will be of interest to speech language therapy students, as well as qualified therapists, psychologists, and to those who stutter and clutter.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: The Aetiology of Stuttering and Cluttering. Introduction - What is Stuttering? Normal Disfluency and Stuttering. Primary and Secondary Stuttering. Definitions of Stuttering. Prevalence and Incidence. Who is at Risk of Stuttering. The Development of Stuttering. Phenomena Associated with Stuttering. The Causes of Stuttering. Spontaneous Recovery. Making Sense of the Data: Stuttering as Balance between Capacity and Demand. Summary. Key Points. Suggestions for Further Reading. Part 2: The Treatment of Stuttering and Cluttering. The Measurement and Assessment of Stuttering. Treating Early Stuttering. Therapy for School Age Children. The Treatment of Stuttering in Adults. Counseling Approaches. Alternative Approaches to the Treatment of Stuttering. The Efficacy of Stuttering Therapy. Acquired Stuttering. The Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cluttering.

About the Author :
David Ward is Director of the Speech Research Laboratory at The University of Reading, and a specialist fluency clinician within the NHS. He qualified as a speech language therapist in 1987, and received an MA in Linguistics and Phonetics and a PhD in motor control and stuttering. He has lectured extensively on disorders of fluency, and is involved in research into both theoretical and clinical aspects of stuttering and cluttering.

Review :
"This is a remarkably comprehensive coverage of a subject which has an extensive theoretical literature and where there are hotly contended issues about therapy. This volume does not flinch from these discussions and covers a wide range of topics which will be of interest to students, researchers and to therapists. David's grasp of the range of his subject is impressive and he leaves relatively few stones unturned or without a considered comment." - Martin Duckworth, Director of Forensic Speech Analysis, The College of St. Mark and St. John "This book provides a refreshing UK perspective on disorders of fluency. The breadth of material makes it an invaluable resource for undergraduates and experienced clinicians. I particularly recommend the sections on cluttering as a practical guide to the diagnosis and management of this often neglected disorder." - Louise Wright, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, RCSLT Advisor and Trustee of the British Stammering Association "David Ward gives us up to date, comprehensive coverage of stuttering theories and therapies and also covers the often overlooked areas of cluttering and acquired stuttering. It is a magnificent achievement and will be a valuable resource for both students and practising clinicians." - Carolyn Cheasman, Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, City Lit, London