The following information is provided by Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) to help individuals who stutter effectively evaluate the array of stuttering treatments available and determine which program best meets their needs.

Stuttering results from faulty contractions of muscles that drive movements of the tongue, lip, jaw, soft palette, and vocal folds.  Since the disorder has a physical basis, it is possible to successfuly treat stuttering by teaching people how to adapt and control specific muscle behaviors to generate fluent speech.

Successful stuttering therapy outcomes require individuals to set speech goals; select a proven therapy program that matches their specific needs; and dedicate themselves to working hard and using the tools they are given to sustain fluency over time.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

When comparing stuttering treatment providers and approaches, consider the following:

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?
• How much does the lenth and cost of the program?
• What is the therapy drop out rate?

Stuttering Therapy Success Rate

• What percentage of clients achieved fluency at the conclusion of the program?
• What percentage of clients maintained fluency over five years?
• What percentage of clients would recommend the provider’s treatment program to others?

For more information about successful therapy outcomes and to see before-and-after videos, visit HCRI’s website at www.stuttering.org .  To contact HCRI, send an email to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.admin@stuttering.org  or call 540-265-5650.