Author: hcri

Breakthrough Study Finds Genetic Link to Stuttering

Hollins Communications Research Institute Served as a Key Research Participant in National Initiative

Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI – www.stuttering.org ), an internationally recognized center for stuttering research and therapy innovation, participated in a breakthrough study on the genetics of stuttering that appeared as the lead article in the February 10, 2010 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study was headed by Dr. Dennis Drayna of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), located in Bethesda, Maryland. According to HCRI Founder and President Dr. Ronald L. Webster, the research demonstrates, for the first time, that a specific genetic linkage has been discovered within related family members who stutter. Three genes have been identified that deal with mechanisms within cells that break down and recycle metabolic products in key regions of the brain.

“While these findings are exciting, they apply only to about five percent of people who stutter,” Webster noted. “There is much more work to be completed before we have a clear picture of the extent to which genes play a role in stuttering.”

An estimated 66 million people worldwide suffer from the effects of stuttering, with three million living in the U.S, according to NIDCD. The condition can impair social growth, hinder educational and career aspirations, and produce emotional scars that may last a lifetime.

Roanoke-based HCRI (www.stuttering.org) was selected to participate in the NIDCD research project because the center’s work focuses on developing objective, physically based methods for the analysis and treatment of stuttering. Over the past 37 years, HCRI scientists have studied thousands of people who stutter, aged 10 to 73, representing an extensive range of stuttering types and severities.

Nearly 5,800 people from 24 countries have participated in HCRI’s stuttering treatment, which helps people learn how to replace faulty muscle activities that cause stuttering with new muscle behaviors that product lasting fluency. The center’s research shows that 93 percent of clients achieve normal fluency by the end of their 12-day intensive stuttering therapy program. Follow-up studies reveal 70 to 75% retain fluency for the long term.

When asked how the discovery of the genetic link to stuttering might be relevant to the stuttering treatment program developed and administered at HCRI, Webster said that it is too early to determine the potential impact. “However, as our work progresses, we may find that only those stutterers who have related stuttering family members, and who also have extreme difficulty in learning fluency skills in therapy, may be carrying the critical genes,” he explained.

Webster also noted that, at some future time, it might be possible to develop treatments for a small number of stutterers that would involve adding specific enzymes to their blood stream in order to improve cellular metabolic functions within the brain.

HCRI will again play a role in the next series of stuttering studies by the NIDCD. “There is potential for terrific discoveries in the forthcoming research,” Webster added.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute (www.stuttering.org), founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit center headquartered at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia 24019. HCRI scientists pioneered the concept and development of physically based stuttering therapy. The center holds 17 intensive 12-day stuttering treatment programs annually.

Clients include John Stossel of Fox News; Arthur Blank, cofounder of Home Depot; and Annie Glenn, wife of senator and astronaut John Glenn. HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia, 24019. Contact HCRI at admin@stuttering.org or 540-265-5650. For video speech samples and more information, visit www.stuttering.org .

HCRI Founder Dr. Ronald Webster Talks About Broadcaster John Stossel’s Stuttering Therapy

Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., Founder and President of the Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI)responds to a question about former stuttering therapy client and broadcast journalist John Stossel. Mr. Stossel participated in HCRI’s advanced stuttering therapy program early in his career.

With HCRI’s scientifically based treatment, Mr. Stossel acquired the skills to speak fluently in all aspects of his life, which enabled him to significantly advance his career in national television. After an impressive tenure on ABC’s 20/20, Mr. Stossel now has his own program on Fox Network appropriated called “Stossel.”

Several people have asked about John Stossel’s stuttering when he was a young reporter. How did he manage to work as a TV reporter when he also stuttered?

The answer is quite straightforward. He did not appear live on air. His presentations were all recorded. For example, with interviews John would ask a question and the person who was being interviewed would reply. However, when John stuttered on questions, the producers would later shoot additional attempts of his asking the questions until they captured fluent examples. When aired, the report showed fluent Stossel questions and the interviewee’s responses—all through the magic of careful editing.

John was an excellent reporter with good instincts for stories and solid insights into how a story should be reported. The fact that his editors made accommodations for his stuttered speech underscores the high quality of his reporting.

As he began to appear live on air his anxieties about his stuttering increased. His on air stuttering occasionally tripped him up. He reported one instance of being suddenly asked to announce a brief midday newscast. He stuttered during one of his sentences and struggled to get a word out for so long that time ran out and he was taken off the air during the middle of a sentence.

It was only later, after completing our stuttering treatment program that John began to appear regularly on live TV. He has stated that our program was the only intervention that worked for him.

Mr. Stossel is one of more than 6,000 clients who have participated in HCRI’s stuttering therapy since the institute was founded by Dr. Webster in 1972. Over the years, HCRI has grown into a world-leading center for the investigation and treatment of stuttering. Research shows that 93 percent of clients achieve normal fluency after their 12-day intensive stuttering therapy program. Follow-up studies reveal 70 to 75% retain fluency for the long term.

The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit institute is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on developing scientifically based treatment methods, as well as administering stuttering therapy. For more information about the Roanoke, Viriginia institute, visit www.stuttering.org or call 540-265-5650.

What’s the Best Holiday Gift to Receive? For Some, It is the Gift of Fluency.

As shoppers spend their last days before the holidays rushing through retail stores looking for the “perfect gift” for loved ones and friends, the gift-of-a-lifetime became a reality for eight people at the Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI – www.stuttering.org ) in Roanoke, Virginia. These individuals acquired the ability to speak fluently after living with a debilitating speech condition, stuttering, that had robbed them of reaching their full potential.

As participants in an HCRI stuttering treatment program, they chose to spend two weeks leading up to Christmas in intensive therapy working eight to ten hours a day-rather than partaking in holiday festivities and shopping trips. For these individuals, experiencing the joy of speaking smoothly and spontaneously is the best possible gift to receive for the holidays.

According to therapy participant and college student Kevin McAlpine of Arlington Heights, Illinois, HCRI’s stuttering treatment was “hard work but extremely worth it.” The December timing of therapy was ideal for McAlpine. He scheduled an interview immediately following his treatment program with an admissions representative of a prestigious college where he would like to transfer. He needed to complete the interview before the school closed for the holidays.

“I had a severe case of stuttering before coming to HCRI. The condition is degrading and extremely challenging. My stuttering affected me socially and I was afraid to talk to people. Now, I can speak fluently for the first time in my life,” McAlpine said.

The physical capability to speak fluently is something that most people take for granted. Yet, three million people in the U.S. and 66 million worldwide live each day with a stuttering condition that serves as a barrier to education, social and career opportunities. Stuttering occurs when speech muscles inappropriately contract and “jump out of control” with too much force and abruptness during attempts to speak. Markers of stuttering include repetitions of sounds, syllables and words; prolongations of first sounds in syllables; and voice blockage when trying to talk.

There is no cure for stuttering; though, therapy can help. To treat the disorder, there are a wide range of approaches with the most common based on counseling to modify speech disfluencies. “Unfortunately, this non-systematic approach is only effective among 25 percent of those treated,” said nationally recognized stuttering expert Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., HCRI founder. “Additionally, the stuttering devices that have garnered recent media attention typically work in just 20 to 25 percent of cases.”

In contrast, research shows 93 percent of HCRI clients attain fluent speech by the end of their 12-day treatment program. Follow-up studies indicate 70-75% retain fluency for the long term.

McAlpine, who is an aspiring writer and interested in politics, had six years of speech therapy in his home town while growing up. “For all those years, I went to speech therapy one day a week and it helped me a little bit. But the intensive regime at HCRI and the therapy tools they use are what it took to retrain my speech muscles to speak fluently,” he explained.

“At HCRI, we address and treat the physical aspects of stuttering because research has shown us that stuttering is a physically based condition,” said Webster. “We teach people skills that put them in full control of the speech. That’s why our therapy participants achieve long-lasting fluency outcomes.”

During treatment, HCRI clinicians teach clients how to replace distorted muscle contractions that occur with stuttering with new behaviors called “targets” that generator fluent speech. By reconstructing muscle actions that drive movements of the tongue, lip, jaw, soft palette, and breathing mechanisms, individuals who stutter learn how to speak fluently. Similar to other muscle-building and skill-training activities, through intensive practice muscle memory occurs, enabling clients to maintain fluent speech for a lifetime.

In addition, HCRI researchers have created new ways to use technology in therapy to make fluency skills easier to learn and therapy more interesting for clients. Specialized electronics developed at HCRI, including a Voice Monitor application for Apple’s iPhone, provide accurate feedback to clients during the learning of fluency targets.

“The technology used during HCRI therapy made a huge difference. The computer tools provided clear, precise feedback about my speech and signaled whenever I needed to make adjustments,” McAlpine added.

The non-profit Institute offers 17 stuttering therapy programs annually and has treated nearly 5,800 people from across the U.S. and 23 other countries. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at 540-265-5650.

HCRI’s Technological Innovation Continues to Improve Stuttering Treatment Outcomes

Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., Founder and President of the Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI), shares how the non-profit Institute has used technology over the years to enhance the treatment of stuttering and the ease with which fluency is achieved during therapy. In addition, Dr. Webster provides insights on how technology will be applied in the future to advance stuttering treatment and access.

Here at HCRI we have an informal motto, “We need to invent the future. If we don’t do it, then we may not care for the future we get.” Our use of technology to give power and utility to our work on the treatment of stuttering represents years of adherence to our motto. The results have been remarkable. We have learned how to continue improving the technologies used in our stuttering treatment programs.

We have steadily built upon our experience in treating more than 5,700 persons who stutter. Our most recent advancements in stuttering treatment are incorporated in the development of the Hollins Fluency Program: Advanced Speech Reconstruction for Stuttering. This new program provides testimony to the merits of our “We need to invent the future” approach. All of what we do in this arena works to the long-term benefit of the clients whom we serve.

We have developed stuttering therapy programs at HCRI to take advantage of technologies that could improve the quality of initial fluency skill learning and thereby foster better long-term retention of fluent speech. Here is a quick look at how HCRI has implemented various electronic or computer technologies over the years. And, there is also a hint about new tools that are now on the horizon.

The first computers available to us were called minicomputers and they had limited memories and relatively slow processing speeds. We did succeed in developing a rather primitive speech processing program that could estimate the extent to which utterances embodied the energy profiles that signified correct or incorrect fluency target values.

In an article dealing with stuttering treatment and computers published in the Hollins College alumni magazine, we introduced people to an example of how new computing developments could be used to help establish fluent speech in people who stuttered. The article gained national attention for our work. Public demand for our therapy led to the founding of the Hollins Communications Research Institute in 1972.

Certain limitations were soon encountered with the computer. First, we could only use it with one client at a time. And, for that to happen all others terminals that accessed the central processor had to be shut down. Since a microcomputer cost about $60,000 in those days, we soon understood that we needed to find a less expensive way to measure speech characteristics in therapy and to provide feedback to our clients.

We went ahead to design a set of analog electronic circuits that could measure energy profiles in spoken sounds, syllables and words. This device became part of our first  systematic stuttering therapy, the Precision Fluency Shaping Program. At first, the device, we called it the Voice Monitor, could only evaluate single words. With determined effort we soon achieved the goal of evaluating successive syllables in polysyllabic words and then sentences. The device signaled with a green light whenever a correct target was detected. Errors were signaled by a non-response from the device.

During continuous speech, the green indicator lamp remained on until the device detected an erroneous response and shut the light off. Clients had to press a control button to activate the Voice Monitor for each trial with single syllable utterances or to reset the green light when an error was made in connected speech. In addition, there were three levels of energy profiles used within the Voice Monitor. Each level was used within a specific week of the treatment program.

The Voice Monitor went through a number of versions. Each one improved the quality of measurement, used better electronics, and became more practical and reliable in daily use. Clearly, we were on the right track. We had invented, patented, and reduced to practice a speech measurement tool that improved the quality of treatment at a cost level we could afford. Our clients had an easier time of learning and retaining fluency skills than they had previously. Our clinicians now had a tool that relieved them from the burdensome task of listing to and judging each spoken syllable and communicating the result to the client. The practical benefits of cost effective technology implementation were striking.

In 1984 we decided to make a transition from the Voice Monitor to the new Apple Macintosh computer. We called the new therapy program the Hollins Fluency System. The Mac allowed us to advance the reliability of treatment by adding two new teaching components and a new speech processing protocol. We found that we could present certain facts about speech to our clients and evaluate their learning and retention of the facts by means of the computer.

We also used the computer to present examples of correct and incorrectly spoken targets in order for clients to practice identifying appropriate and inappropriate responses. We designed and built a speech preprocessor module that connected to the Mac and was used to measure speech profile data, to score the accuracy of the client’s spoken responses and to signal the results of each judgment to the client. Additionally, the computer was used to collect and store performance data on each client. Clinicians could thus review performance details and provide any adjustments to the client’s program that might be called for.

In 1997 we completely rebuilt the therapy program and added networking to our system. Again, the quality, stability and clinical utility of our program improved. The precision of speech monitoring also improved due to our development of improved electronic speech preprocessing circuits based on new, advanced microchip designs.

During 2003 we released FluencyNet, our computer based home practice system for use by our alumni in validating target use and for practicing fluency skills at home or in the office. Many, many of our alums have used FluencyNet and have provided us with feedback that we used to enhance the user’s experience. In fact, lessons learned from FluencyNet were useful as we to created a new, improved version of our therapy program.

In 2008 we revised and rebuilt the program, again with advanced electronics, better and faster computers, and we established the program using a web-based format. We named this version of our therapy, the Hollins Fluency Program: Advanced Speech Reconstruction for Stuttering. This program is now in daily use within our clinic and is working exceedingly well. Improvements in this version, have increased the power and utility of treatment.

The essential point is that, in the near future, we will be creating several different methods for implementing remote access fluency skill training. Our intention is to conduct the first trials with refresher courses and then to move on to full remote access. Tests of the remote access system will begin in early 2010. Numerous details of procedure will need to be worked out as we go along. However, we are prepared to meet the challenges that come with innovation.

Our newest technology innovations arrived during 2009. We created new stuttering therapy applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch that expand the correct use of technology for improved client learning and retention of fluency skills. The new Voice Monitor application allows the user to talk into the hand held device and receive feedback about target accuracy in real world situations. While talking, the device records the client’s speech, scores the speech, and displays the results of the scoring on the screen. After completing the speech sample, the data file can be emailed to a clinician for immediate review. We are currently working on how to implement controlled distribution of the new software through the Apple iTunes store.

If you had been present at each step along the way in our technology developments, you would have noticed subtle changes in what and how we measured speech, how we provided feedback and how well our clients were acquiring and using fluency skills. If you had been present at the time of our first use of computers in therapy, and then returned today, you would be astonished at the developments that have taken place. Fluency generating targets are defined more clearly and comprehensively. Therapy details have been spelled out with increased precision. Linkages between and among targets have been made explicit. The physical measurement of speech signals has been dramatically improved, as have the feedback procedures now in place.

One of the great benefits of our developing new technologies is that they can be evaluated against our substantial base of experience with our own previous technologies. Our knowledge about technology development as an integral component of therapy is substantial. It is quite probable that HCRI has used electronic and computer technologies within stuttering therapy more than the rest of the world combined!

We are now at a place where we have designed and are building advanced digital speech processing circuits that will dramatically increase the range and details of speech and speech associated behaviors that can be measured, evaluated and used to improve fluency skill training. In effect, our “speech microscope” will open a new world of technology innovations within our stuttering therapy program. New diagnostic tools, new types of training within therapy and new forms of treatment outreach will change major features in the treatment of stuttering. All of what is coming has been made possible through the depth and scope of our experiences in working directly with electronics, computers and speech. We are excited by the prospects!

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute, founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., has grown into a world-leading center for the investigation and treatment of stuttering. The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit institute is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on developing scientifically based treatment methods, as well as administering stuttering therapy.

More than 6,000 people from 48 countries have come to HCRI for stuttering therapy. HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia, 24019. Contact HCRI at admin@stuttering.org or 540-265-5650. For video speech samples and more information, visit www.stuttering.org.

 

Giving the Gift of Fluency

The following was written by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., founder and President of Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI ), about the importance of supporting the nonprofit Institute’s scholarship program, which helps individuals who stutter receive advanced stuttering therapy that can dramatically change their lives.

Millennia ago, Aristotle, the Greek philosopher who attempted to record, study and expand all available knowledge, noted that speech was a most important distinguishing factor of the human organism.

We now know that freedom of speech, even though it is a political right, is not a right conveyed in nature. For those who stutter, true freedom of speech means that the tools for speaking fluently have been acquired, stabilized and retained over time.

Here at HCRI, our mission is to discover the premier tools for generating fluent speech in people who stutter. Our continuing flow of discoveries has increased the power of the Hollins Fluency Program™, and that, in turn, has increased the ease of acquiring and maintaining fluent speech by our clients. Every day we continue to study and expand our understanding of stuttering. And there is still much to be learned.

There is one important development of which we are quite proud – the HCRI Stuttering Therapy Scholarship Program.  This expanded scholarship initiative has enabled effective stuttering treatment to be received by an increasing number of persons who stutter.

We believe that one of the most important tasks we can undertake is to make our treatment program more broadly available. In order to accomplish this end, we have implemented a comprehensive scholarship program that is intended to reduce the net cost of treatment.

There is also an important research benefit that we realize. Specifically, our scholarship program allows us to work with a broader range of people than in the recent past. The power and utility of our therapy methods always benefit, as we expand the base of people with whom we work.

You can make a difference in the lives of others who stutter. You can click on this link:www.stuttering.org/donate.php and donate right now to the HCRI Stuttering Therapy Scholarship Program. The money you give goes directly to increasing therapy program availability.

As you make your contribution, please consider joining the HCRI Hollins Society, which recognizes individuals who give $1,000 or more per year. A gift of $1,000 to our scholarship program will go a long way towards helping someone attend HCRI.  Your $1,000 annual contribution amounts to $2.74 per day. This is indeed a small price to pay to bring the gift of free speech to a deserving person who is afflicted with stuttering.

For more information about HCRI, visit www.stuttering.org or  contact HCRI at 540-265-5650 oradmin@stuttering.org .

HCRI Therapy Scholarships Give the Gift of Fluency

The new Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) Stuttering Therapy Scholarship, made possible through the generosity of HCRI alumni, is already making a dramatic impact on the lives of people who stutter by putting advanced stuttering treatment within financial reach.

With these tough economic times, HCRI’s $1,550 scholarship has been a pivotal factor among the majority of participants being able to come for treatment.  The scholarship makes the net cost of therapy ($2,950) less expensive than programs offered by other stuttering treatment providers.

During each therapy session, we hear clients express their gratitude to HCRI’s alumni for making their participation possible.  We don’t want scholarship funds to run out and encourage you to continue supporting this important program. The quality of people’s lives depend on it – especially now.  Please click here to support this vital cause:  https://www.stuttering.org/donate.php

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute, founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., has grown into a world-leading center for the investigation and treatment of stuttering.  The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit institute is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on researching the stuttering condition, as well as delivering stuttering treatment.

Videos speech samples that show the impact of HCRI’s pioneering work in the field can be found at  https://stuttering.org/clientvideos.php .  For more information about HCRI send an email to admin@stuttering.org or call 540-265-5650.

Apple’s iPod Touch Joins the iPhone as a Stuttering Therapy Tool at Hollins Communications Research

One month after the introduction of Apple’s iPhone as a stuttering treatment tool in January 2009, nonprofit Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI – www.stuttering.org) has integrated the iPod Touch into its scientifically based stuttering therapy program. Applications for both devices were developed in-house at HCRI and designed to help program participants more effectively transfer newly acquired fluency skills from the clinical setting into real-world environments.

Similar to HCRI’s iPhone software, the iPod Touch features an advanced voice monitoring system that measures and scores speech behavior taught during stuttering treatment.  Under the guidance of specially trained HCRI clinicians, stuttering therapy clients use the device with a small external microphone to practice their new speaking skills in everyday situations.

As individuals speak, the iPod Touch screen displays real-time fluency measurements for each utterance. This immediate feedback helps therapy program participants improve the accuracy and speed with which fluency is achieved.  Additionally, the device records and transmits speech patterns back to HCRI, enabling the Institute’s clinicians to further customize therapy for each program participant.

Both the iPod Touch and iPhone applications have been extremely well received among therapy participants, according to HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D.    “Signals from the speech monitor help clients stay on track as they retrain tongue, jaw, mouth and throat muscles to achieve long-term fluency,” Dr. Webster explained.

HCRI adapted the iPhone application for the iPod Touch since no phone plan is required, making it more cost-effective for therapy.  There is no additional cost for program participants to use either device during HCRI’s 12-day intensive stuttering therapy program.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute ), founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., has grown into a world-leading center for the investigation and treatment of stuttering.  The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit institute is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on developing scientifically based treatment methods, as well as administering stuttering therapy.

More than 5,600 people from 23 countries have come to HCRI for stuttering therapy. Clients include John Stossel of ABC TV’s 20/20 program; Arthur Blank, cofounder of Home Depot; and Annie Glenn, wife of senator and astronaut John Glenn. HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia, 24019. Contact HCRI at admin@stuttering.org or 540-265-5650. For video speech samples and more information, visit https://www.stuttering.org .

How to Compare Stuttering Treatment Options

Individuals seeking help for stuttering will find a variety of treatment approaches available ranging from intensive therapy programs to special fluency devices. To help people who stutter consider their treatment options, not-for-profit Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) has developed a recommended list of questions to ask stuttering treatment providers. The provider responses will help individuals make informed decisions about which course of stuttering therapy will best meet their needs.

“Stuttering is a malady that is surrounded by a wealth of theories and opinions about its nature and possible causes.  As a result, there are a variety of treatment options and techniques – all of which have varying levels of success,” said HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D.  “Having a set of questions to use to evaluate different treatment options can be an invaluable tool to help people who stutter objectively determine the best treatment provider and approach for their condition.”

Individuals seeking help for stuttering should investigate a number of therapy approaches and providers before making a treatment decision. Roanoke, Virginia-based HCRI recommends asking providers the following questions to facilitate the decision-making process.

QUESTIONS FOR EVALUATING STUTTERING THERAPY OPTIONS:

Depth and Breadth of Experience

  • Does the provider exclusively work with issues related to stuttering?
  • How long has the provider been administering stuttering therapy to clients?
  • What are the credentials of the provider?
  • How many stuttering clients have been served?

Treatment Approach

  • Is the stuttering treatment methodology based on the provider’s own analysis of objective methods that produce fluent speech?
  • What is the length of treatment?
  • What is the cost of treatment?
  • What is the therapy drop out rate?

Stuttering Therapy Success Rate

  • What percentage of clients achieved fluency at the conclusion of the program?
  • What are the longer term therapy follow-up results?
  • What percentage of clients would recommend the provider’s treatment program to others?

“We encourage everyone to research their treatment options and make informed decisions about stuttering therapy. Taking the time to consider the experience, approach and success rates of different stuttering therapists will help ensure the best possible fluency outcomes,” Dr. Webster added.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute (www.stuttering.org), founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., has grown into a world-leading center for stuttering research and therapy innovation.  The nonprofit institute is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on developing scientifically based treatment methods, as well as administering stuttering therapy.  HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia, 24019 and can be contacted by emailing admin@stuttering.org or calling 540-265-5650.

Stuttering Treatment: Helping to Realize Life’s Potential

Stuttering is a misunderstood and often mistreated malady that can serve as a significant barrier to realizing life’s potential. The condition, also referred to as stammering, creates a threat to an individual’s personal and social development, educational achievement, and career opportunities.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one percent of the population suffers from the effects of stuttering.  This translates into three million people across the U.S. and 66 million globally.  Stuttering occurs when speech muscles inappropriately contract and “jump out of control” with too much force and abruptness during attempts to speak.

There is no cure for stuttering. Yet, the advanced stuttering therapy offered by non-profit Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) has helped thousands of people who stutter acquire the skills to speak smoothly and spontaneously for a lifetime.

“For the past 36 years, we’ve witnessed the amazing transformation stuttering therapy can make in the lives of our clients,” said HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. “It is incredibly rewarding to see HCRI program graduates experience the joy of fluent speech and seize opportunities never before possible.”

HCRI’s stuttering treatment focuses on the physical cause of stuttering and deploys scientifically derived therapy approaches developed by the Institute’s own researchers. Participants in HCRI’s intensive, 12-day stuttering therapy program include people who work across every industry, as well as high school and college students.

Among HCRI’s 5,600-plus client base are John Stossel of ABC’s 20/20, Annie Glenn, wife of Ohio Senator and Astronaut John Glenn; Lester Hayes of the Oakland Raiders, and Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons.

Dr. Webster noted that, on a regular basis, he hears or reads about the accomplishments of therapy program graduates.  As an example, he cited a recent article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal about the impressive work of HCRI client Michael Conforti, president of the Association of Art Museum Directors.

“Stuttering therapy can serve as a catalyst that enables people to realize their full potential in life.  And everyone deserves that opportunity,” Dr. Webster emphasized.

For specifics on HCRI’s stuttering therapy program, visit www.stuttering.org, or call 540-265-5650.

Apple’s iPhone Finds New Use in Treating Stuttering at Hollins Communications Research Institute

Scientists at Hollins Communications Research Institute  https://www.stuttering.org), a leading center for stuttering research and treatment innovation, have just completed successful trials using Apple’s iPhone as a stuttering therapy tool to enhance the transfer of new fluency skills from the clinical setting into real-life situations.

The iPhone device was programmed at HCRI with a sophisticated voice monitoring system that evaluates and scores speech behaviors taught during stuttering therapy.  When clients use the device during training in outside situations, such as in a shopping mall, restaurant or business setting, fluency measurements for each utterance are displayed on the iPhone screen.  Having this data immediately available to stuttering therapy program participants makes speech practice more effective and helps improve the speed with which fluency results are achieved.

In addition, the iPhone records every speech sample in an onboard file for later transmission to HCRI. This information enables the institute’s therapists to provide more detailed and precise training to clients, as they learn to apply new speech capabilities in everyday situations.

The iPhone has exceeded expectations during trials with stuttering therapy participants, according to HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D.  Client scores in outside trials were similar to those made in the clinical environment, indicating that quality transfer of fluency skills was being attained.

“Our clients now have a dynamic, easy-to-use tool that can be used in virtually any setting to evaluate how well they are using newly learned fluency skills,” Dr. Webster said. “In addition, the device provides training feedback and performance data that were previously available only with our clinic-based computers.”

Webster added that client responses during the trials, which were completed last week, have been extremely positive.  He attributes the device’s strong appeal to the fact that the iPhone is a practical and fun piece of technology to use for the advancement of stuttering treatment outcomes.

The iPhone will become a regular component of HCRI’s stuttering treatment during the week of  January 26, 2009.  HCRI’s stuttering program, Hollins Fluency Program: Advanced Speech Reconstruction for StutteringTM, helps people who stutter learn how to replace faulty muscle contractions that cause stuttering with new muscle behaviors that generate fluent speech.  By helping people learn how to reconstruct muscle actions that drive movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, vocal folds, and breathing mechanisms, individuals who stutter can acquire and sustain the ability to speak fluently.

An estimated 66 million people worldwide suffer from the effects of stuttering, with three million living in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. There is no cure for the condition – only stuttering treatment can help.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute (https://www.stuttering.org), founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., has grown into a world-leading center for the investigation and treatment of stuttering.  The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit institute is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on developing scientifically based treatment methods, as well as administering stuttering therapy.

More than 5,600 people from 23 countries have come to HCRI for stuttering therapy. Clients include John Stossel of ABC TV’s 20/20 program; Arthur Blank, cofounder of Home Depot; and Annie Glenn, wife of senator and astronaut John Glenn. HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia, 24019. Contact HCRI at admin@stuttering.org or 540-265-5650. For video speech samples and more information, visit https://www.stuttering.org.