Stuttering treatment for adults: an update on contemporary approaches

Abstract

This article provides a brief overview of historical and current approaches to stuttering treatment for adults. Treatment is discussed in terms of stuttering management approaches, fluency-shaping approaches, and combined approaches. The evidence base for these various approaches is outlined. Fluency-shaping approaches have the most robust outcome evidence. Stuttering management approaches are based more on theoretical models of stuttering, and the evidence base tends to be inferred from work using the approaches of cognitive behavior therapy and desensitization with other disorders such as anxiety. Finally, comprehensive approaches to treating stuttering are discussed, and several clinical methods are outlined. Comprehensive approaches target both improved speech fluency and stuttering management. Although it is presented that a comprehensive approach to stuttering treatment will provide the best results, no single approach to stuttering treatment can claim universal success with all adults who stutter.