In collaboration with a research team from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD), Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) recently published a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the institute’s 12-day, behavioral therapy among a group of stutterers who possess one or more of the mutant genes for stuttering compared to the outcomes of a group of stutterers who do not carry any of the mutant genes.
The abstract is presented below.
Purpose
We sought to determine whether outcomes of therapy for persistent developmental stuttering differ in individuals who carry a mutation in a known stuttering gene compared to individuals without such mutations.
Method
We studied outcomes of an intensive fluency shaping-based therapy program in individuals with persistent developmental stuttering. We evaluated a cohort of 51 stuttering individuals with who carried a mutation in either the GNPTAB, GNPTG, NAGPA, or AP4E1 gene. We compared therapy outcomes in these individuals with outcomes in 51 individuals matched for age, gender, and ethnicity, who underwent the same therapy program and did not carry a mutation in any of these genes.
Fluency pre- and post-therapy was evaluated using blinded observer-based quantitative stuttering dysfluency measures (Dysfluent Words Score, DWS), and by subjects’ self-reported measures of struggle, avoidance and expectancy behavior associated with speaking (Perceptions of Stuttering Inventory, PSI). The difference between pre- and post-therapy fluency scores was taken as the measure of near-term therapy efficacy.
Results
Comparison of fluency measures showed a strong effect of therapy overall. Mutation carriers achieved significantly less resolution in PSI following therapy, with PSI scores showing significantly less improvement in individuals who carry a mutation (RR=1.75, OR=2.92, p = 0.0157). There was a trend toward poorer outcomes in mutation carriers measured by changes in DWS.
Conclusion
These results suggest stuttering is more resistant to therapy in individuals who carry a mutation in one of the known stuttering genes.
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Reference: Carlos E. Frigerio-Domingues1, Zoi Gkalitsiou2, Alexandra Zezinka1,#, Eduardo Sainz1, Joanne Gutierrez1, Courtney Byrd2, Ronald Webster3, Dennis Drayna1*. (2019) Genetic factors and therapy outcomes in persistent developmental stuttering. Journal of Communication Disorders, 80, 11-17.
Virginia-based HCRI, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, opened its doors in 1972. Since that time, the insititute has become a leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically derived therapy approaches. HCRI clinicians have treated more than 7,000 individuals who stutter. Clients come from all walks of life and include broadcasters, teachers, engineers, musicians, students, doctors, military personnel, business professionals, police officers, actors, a supreme court nominee, and even royalty.
HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Va. 24019. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at (540) 265-5650 or info@stuttering.org.
The Transforming Impact of HCRI Stuttering Therapy: Opening the Door to Hope and Opportunity
Business executive and retail owner Michael Shaw stuttered since he was a child. He endured bullying and teasing throughout his school years and only spoke when necessary because of his stutter. His speech caused immense fear and eroded his confidence.
He recalls a low point in his young life when he made it to the finals in a school spelling bee, but had to drop out because he couldn’t get the word to come out of his mouth.
Michael Shaw
“I’ll never forget, when I was a teen, calling a girl to ask her out on a date. Yet, I couldn’t speak because of my stutter and just hung up,” Mr. Shaw recalls. “I thought I’d never have a girlfriend because of my stuttering.”
Approximately 66 million people worldwide suffer from the effects of stuttering, with three million in the U.S. Stuttering can negatively impact an individual’s self-esteem and wellbeing, as well as impede educational attainment, career options and social growth.
The speech disorder is characterized by repeated or prolonged sounds, syllables, blocks and words that disrupt speech. An individual who stutters knows what he or she wants to say but has difficulty uttering the words.
Treating His Stuttering
To help address his stutter, Mr. Shaw’s parents enrolled him in a variety of speech therapies during his youth. But, none of the treatments helped him achieve the ability to control his stuttering and speak fluently.
Ever determined and despite his stutter, Mr. Shaw made it through high school, graduated from college, and started a promising job in the retail sector. During his employment, Mr. Shaw’s boss saw a television news program about the innovative stuttering therapy program at Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI). He shared the information with Mr. Shaw because he was impressed with his employee’s drive and potential.
Two months later, Mr. Shaw attended HCRI’s immersion therapy in Roanoke, Virginia. The therapy was unlike any other he tried. He participated with 10 other stutterers from across the U.S. The group members bonded with one another and served as a support system throughout therapy.
Together, the program participants were taught how to address faulty speech-muscle behaviors that give rise to stuttering and replace them with new speech-muscle activities that produce fluent speech.
Mr. Shaw found his HCRI therapy experience challenging and life-changing
HCRI’s Behavioral Approach
According to HCRI President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., “Stuttering is a misunderstood and often mistreated condition. HCRI research demonstrated that stuttering is a physical phenomenon – rather than an emotional response triggered by anxiety or stress. While anxiety or stress may exacerbate stuttering, it is not the root cause.”
HCRI’s stuttering therapy institute is located in Roanoke, Virginia.
With research revealing stuttering is physically based, Dr. Webster and his team developed a systematic treatment that restricts the flawed muscle activity that stutterers experience, allowing individuals to stop stuttering and speak fluently.
With HCRI’s behavioral therapy, 93% of therapy participants achieve fluency by the end of their 12-day program. (When Mr. Shaw attended, therapy was 19 days.) Follow-up research shows 75% of clients maintain fluency for the long term. These fluency results are among the highest documented outcomes of any stuttering therapy.
Returning Home from HCRI
After HCRI therapy, Mr. Shaw could speak fluently for the first time in his life. He points out that HCRI is not a cure for stuttering – because that doesn’t exist. Rather, HCRI teaches lifelong skills to control stuttering and speak fluently. To habituate fluency skills, Mr. Shaw practiced his speech daily after treatment. He talked into a recorder and then checked the accuracy of his fluency. He would also call restaurants and other establishments to practice speaking fluently.
As time passed, whenever he felt his speech starting to slip, he would return to the tools from therapy to get his fluency back on track. Today HCRI provides clients with a host of practice opportunities including a proprietary app, computer software, alumni call sessions, and zoom meetings.
Going Back to Work
When Mr. Shaw returned to his job, he was quickly promoted to a management position that required him to travel and speak in front of groups of all sizes.
Mr. Shaw is convinced that, without HCRI therapy, he would not have been able to perform as effectively in his new position. “HCRI therapy shot me upward. I wasn’t shy anymore. I overcame my fear of speaking and was ready to use my voice in all types of situations,” he said.
He added, “Getting that fear of speaking out of my life was like having wings that set me free.”
Helping Others, Giving Back
During his notable career, Mr. Shaw managed up to 400 employees at a time when he worked with Lerner Shops, a women’s retailer. He later opened 18 Haagen Dazs stores. Fluency and overcoming his fear of speaking created a path to his rewarding career. He also attributes his success to his innate ability to manage people and relationships.
For example, in his management roles, Mr. Shaw regularly held “backroom chats” with employees to help them excel in their positions. He is an effective, empathetic communicator. Through the years, he hired individuals who stutter and gave them counsel along their career paths. He recommended HCRI therapy to help employees who stutter achieve fluency, like he did early in his career.
Now, to give back and benefit others, Mr. Shaw is helping to raise funds for HCRI’s stuttering therapy scholarship program. The program helps those with financial need attend HCRI treatment. His desire is to provide a means to help others break free from stuttering and achieve their full potential through fluency.
According to Mr. Shaw, “The one word that best describes how fluency changed my life is ‘freedom.’ My experience with HCRI therapy enabled me to live free of fear and experience life to the fullest.”
About HCRI
HCRI was founded by Ronald L Webster, Ph.D. in 1972 to investigate stuttering through scientific discovery and treatment innovation. Virginia-based HCRI, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has become a leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically derived therapy approaches.
Clinicians at HCRI have treated more than 7,000 individuals who stutter. Clients come from all walks of life and include broadcasters, teachers, engineers, musicians, students, doctors, military personnel, business professionals, police officers, actors, a supreme court nominee, and even royalty.
HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Va. 24019. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at (540) 265-5650 or info@stuttering.org.
Ross S. Barrett believes luck was on his side when it comes to his stuttering and career. Yet, more than luck, it was his drive to achieve fluency, hard work, and passion that led him to where he is today.
Ross S. Barrett, M.A., CCC/SLP
Barrett recently retired after 39 years as Director of the Precision Fluency Shaping Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). In character with his dedication to helping persons who stutter, he still maintains an office at the institution to provide support to former clients who may need him.
His journey to fluency wasn’t easy. Barrett began stuttering at the age of two and endured his speech condition during his educational years. While many children may stutter at some point in their young lives, Barrett was among the 25 percent of stuttering kids who never outgrow it.
During his formative years, Barrett was taunted by schoolmates because of his stutter. As he grew older, his speech hindered his academic performance in high school and college. He tried traditional speech therapies, hypnosis and even faith healing to address his stuttering. None of the methods worked.
New Hope and Opportunity
When he was 28, Barrett saw an article in the New York Times about a new behavioral treatment for stuttering, which was invented by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. at his Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI). Webster founded nonprofit HCRI in 1972 to investigate stuttering from a scientific perspective and focus on treatment innovation.
Barrett refers to the New York Times article as his “first stroke of luck” on his journey to fluency. He contacted HCRI to enroll. While the waiting list was typically long to get into the immersion program, Barrett was able to secure a spot in a matter of months. He calls that his “second lucky break.”
“Once I started HCRI therapy, I knew it was the type of help I needed – therapy that addresses the physical aspects of stuttering and not an approach that focuses on emotions or psychology,” Barrett said.
He found HCRI stuttering therapy to be a transforming experience. For the first time in his life, Barrett was able to control his stuttering and speak fluently. By staying true to the fluency skills he learned at HCRI, he has maintained the ability to speak fluently and confidently throughout his life.
HCRI’s Science-Based Therapy
HCRI stuttering therapy is a comprehensive behavioral therapy program invented by Webster and continually honed through the years. The institute’s approach teaches individuals how to address misbehaving speech-muscle activities that give rise to stuttering – and replace them with new muscle behaviors that produce fluent speech.
Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., HCRI President and Founder
“At the heart of the stuttering problem is the faulty speech-muscle contractions that occur within the speech production system. Speech organs are forced into positions that are wrong for saying the intended sounds,” Webster explained. “Stuttering occurs as a downstream result of muscle events going wrong earlier in time.”
Once therapy participants are taught new ways to use their speech muscles, they acquire the ability to control their stuttering and speak fluently. Research demonstrates that 93 percent of HCRI program participants achieve fluency in 12 days, and 75 percent maintain fluent speech over time.
HCRI’s specially trained clinicians work with participants using systematic treatment protocols and proprietary therapy technology that guide individuals step-by-step through the treatment process. Therapy occurs in HCRI’s clinical setting, as well as in real-world environments. When clients return home, they are provided with a comprehensive package of post-therapy support and fluency tools to help them maintain fluency skills.
“Many therapy programs have evolved from the groundbreaking work Ron accomplished,” Barrett said.
Changing His Career to Pursue a Passion
Barrett’s experience at HCRI inspired him to change his career focus from finance to speech pathology. He went to graduate school and earned his Master’s degree in speech language pathology. After graduation, he said he “lucked out” again. Webster called Barrett and invited him to join the institute as a speech therapist and administer HCRI’s program.
After more than 10 years with HCRI, Barrett relocated to Norfolk, Virginia with his wife when she accepted a new position there. While in Norfolk, Barrett was given the unique opportunity to start his own fluency program at EVMS. Webster arranged for him to use a version of HCRI stuttering therapy so Barrett’s clients could benefit from the same life-changing therapy that he personally experienced.
Barrett and Webster developed a close friendship through the years. Recently, Webster received a note from Barrett sharing that he had retired. Here are excerpts from that communication.
“… I ran my last 12-day therapy group in July. I have officially retired. I will keep a small office on campus just to answer past patient calls.
I wish to thank you for all your support over the years professionally and personally. The therapy you developed changed my life and thousands of others.
It was 50 years ago in July that I came to HCRI as a client. Little did I know then the impact therapy would have on my life…”
Webster said, “I was touched by Ross’s note. I have tremendous respect for him and what he has accomplished. He is a valued friend and colleague.”
Was it Really Luck?
Barrett sums up the role luck has had in his life by noting…
I lucked out seeing the New York Times article about Ron and HCRI.
I lucked out getting into HCRI’s therapy program without a long wait.
I lucked out when Ron asked me to serve as a speech therapist at the institute.
I lucked out when Ron gave me the opportunity to use a version of HCRI’s therapy program at EVMS.
Advice for Selecting the Right Stuttering Therapy
For those interested in stuttering therapy, Barrett recommends researching various therapy options and requesting a track record of success from each provider being considered. He also advises to talk with former clients, as well as get a feel for how transparent providers are about their therapy approach.
About HCRI
Since opening its doors in 1972, Virginia-based HCRI, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has become a leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically derived therapy approaches.
Clinicians at HCRI have treated more than 7,000 individuals who stutter. Clients come from all walks of life and include broadcasters, teachers, engineers, musicians, students, doctors, military personnel, business professionals, police officers, actors, a supreme court nominee, and even royalty.
HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Va. 24019. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at (540) 265-5650 or info@stuttering.org.
Roanoke, VA, October 4, 2022… Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI), a nonprofit center dedicated to stuttering research and treatment innovation, accomplishes another milestone with the center turning 50 years old this month.
Recent HCRI program participants who attended the center’s 12-day immersion program. Stuttering therapy is held in a small group setting with up to 10 attendees at a time.
Rather than take time to celebrate, HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. and his team are looking to the future and the opportunities that lay ahead. In addition to extensive planning, the team is continuing to conduct research on stuttering and further hone HCRI’s award-winning stuttering therapy program.
What started in 1972 as a small stuttering research and therapy operation in Roanoke, Virginia has evolved into an international center that has treated thousands who stutter with one of the most sophisticated and successful treatment programs available today.
Grounded in science, HCRI’s 12-day stuttering therapy involves systematic instruction by specially trained clinicians who guide participants through each therapy step. Clients utilize HCRI’s advanced technology and a proprietary app during treatment to make fluency skill learning easier and more exacting. When clients return home, they are provided with a comprehensive package of post-therapy support.
Research demonstrates 93% of HCRI stuttering therapy participants achieve fluency by the end of their 12-day program. Follow-up studies reveal that 75% maintain fluent speech when evaluated two years later. These fluency results are among the highest documented outcomes of any stuttering therapy.
“Stuttering limits educational, career and social opportunities. When individuals acquire skills to control their stuttering, new doors of opportunity open. The ability to speak fluently and confidently transforms lives,” Dr. Webster said.
Approximately 66 million people worldwide suffer from stuttering, with three million in the U.S. The condition is characterized by repeated or prolonged sounds, syllables, blocks and words that disrupt speech.
HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D.
According to Dr. Webster, “the problem with stuttering is that stuttering is not the problem.” At the heart of the stuttering problem is the faulty speech muscle contractions that occur within the speech production system. Speech organs are forced into positions that are wrong for saying the intended sounds. Stuttering occurs as a downstream result of muscle events going wrong earlier in time.
These faulty speech muscle activities are addressed directly within the HCRI therapy system. Once participants are taught new ways to use their speech muscles, they acquire the ability to control their stuttering and speak fluently.
“Our ongoing research focuses on increasing knowledge of stuttering as a physical condition – and uncovering new insights to effective treatment,” Dr. Webster added.
This includes understanding the role genetics plays in stuttering. HCRI partnered with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) on a pioneering study that discovered three mutant genes linked to stuttering.
HCRI has conducted follow-up studies on the genetics of stuttering, including participating with the NIDCD on the first study to evaluate stuttering therapy outcomes among those with and without mutant genes for stuttering.
Looking to the Future
HCRI has a full slate of initiatives planned for the near future.
Genetics-Driven Therapy – HCRI will delve deeper into the genetics of stuttering and examine the possibility of customizing therapy for different mutant gene carriers.
Anxiety and Speech – The institute’s team will research the effects of anxiety related to speech performance in therapy and identify ways to reduce the impact of anxiety during treatment.
Research Partnerships – HCRI seeks to establish new partnerships for cooperative research on stuttering. One of the efforts includes using brain scan technology to identify brain activity before, during and after therapy.
Children and Stuttering – Studies focused on children who stutter are in the planning stages and may lead to exciting new ways to help kids learn to speak fluently with greater ease and efficiency.
Remote-Access Stuttering Therapy – To make therapy more accessible, HCRI will test the feasibility of remote access therapy that maintains the same rigorous quality standards as the center’s in person program.
“The future holds exciting promise. We look forward to the next 50 years of making a real difference in the lives of persons who stutter,” Dr. Webster said.
More About HCRI
HCRI was established in 1972 by Dr. Webster to investigate stuttering through scientific discovery and treatment innovation. Virginia-based HCRI, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has become a leader in stuttering research and the development of scientifically derived therapy approaches.
More than 7,000 people from across the U.S. and 50 countries have come to HCRI for stuttering treatment. Clients come from all walks of life and include teachers, business professionals, athletes, broadcasters, engineers, musicians, students, doctors, military personnel, police officers, actors, a Supreme Court nominee, and even royalty.
The institute is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia 24019. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or call (540) 265-5650.
HCRI’s stuttering therapy institute is located in Roanoke, Virginia.
Thanks to the generosity of several of HCRI’s past stuttering therapy participants, the nonprofit institute is able to provide a special tuition reduction of $500 to individuals who participate in one of HCRI’s 12-day programs by the end of 2022.
The financial gifts from these HCRI alumni reduce the therapy fee for HCRI’s 12-day immersion program from $4,285 to $3,785. Therapy includes 100 hours of intensive stuttering treatment and evaluation, as well as a comprehensive package of post-therapy support.
2022 Eligible Program Dates
Sep. 12-23
Oct. 3-14
Nov. 7-18
Nov. 28-Dec. 9
About HCRI Stuttering Therapy
Pictured here are recent stuttering therapy participants who attended HCRI’s 12-day program.
Clinicians at HCRI have treated individuals with stuttering conditions that range from mild to severe – and who come from across the U.S. and 50 countries. The institute’s one-of-a-kind, science-based treatment helps persons who stutter achieve life-long skills to control stuttering and speak fluently.
Therapy is conducted in a small group setting at HCRI’s center in Roanoke, Virginia. It includes fluency training in the clinic, as well as practice in real-world environments. Additionally, HCRI’s computer technology and an iPhone app are used in treatment to make fluency acquisition faster and more precise.
HCRI Stuttering Therapy Can Be a Life-Changing Experience
Attendees can expect their therapy experience to be challenging, rewarding and even transforming. HCRI’s documented fluency outcomes are among the most successful you will find anywhere in the world.
93% of participants achieve fluency in 12 days
75% maintain fluent speech when evaluated two years after therapy
Individuals can expect similar results when they attend HCRI.
Act Now To Benefit from the $500 Tuition Reduction
Linda Booth, Director of Client Services
For those who have already submitted a therapy application, contact Linda Booth for scheduling so you can take advantage of the $500 tuition incentive. Call (540) 265-5650 or send an email to info@stuttering.org.
For persons who have yet to apply for HCRI therapy, click here: HCRI Therapy Application. When your application is received, a member of the HCRI team will reach out shortly.
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