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Commentary & Case Studies: Three SpeechEasy Experiences
Most people consider a lot of options when they seek to enhance their fluency. Since studies repeatedly show stuttering can be caused by many factors, (including genetics and environment), enhancing fluency often requires trying several tactics from several disciplines before finding the right combination that works.
At Janus Development Group we recommend combining the use of your SpeechEasy device with therapy from a licensed SLP, which helps increase the chances of developing an individualized, systematic and effective approach to fluency.
Below are three case studies, each one different, each one provided by a different SLP, sharing the effects of SpeechEasy in a person's life. If you are considering purchasing a SpeechEasy device, we hope these case studies will help enlighten you about what some of our clients' experience. If you already have a device, and would like your SLP to submit your story, please contact your SLP. If you would like to share your story via a testimonial, please click here. www.speecheasy.com/testimonials_story.php
We would like to thank Vivian Topp, M.Ed., CCC-SLP from Ambilingual Associates in Florida; Maria Grogan, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, Ultimate Speech, Inc., High Point, NC; and Deborah B. Boswell, M.S., CCC-SLP, Professional Speech Services of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, for their case study contributions.
Case Study 1 From Vivian Topp, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Situation
The client is a 14-year-old male who is in the 9th grade at a private school in West Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The client lives with his mother and brother. His father lives overseas but visits frequently. The client speaks two languages, English and Papiamiento. He is a severe stutterer.
Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client reported difficulty when speaking with his peers, during oral reading in school and when asked to present reports or answer questions orally in school. He exhibited silent blocks (2-3 seconds) at the outset of phrases, voiced blocks, phonemic and part-word repetitions, and secondary characteristics such as closing his eyes, lip pressing, glottal fry and movement of the extremities.
According to the client's mother, he received speech therapy since elementary school with "one to two year breaks in between when we saw he was tired". His last round of therapy was approximately one year ago. He recently started receiving therapy in school and it was the school speech pathologist that brought SpeechEasy to the parents' attention.
Results
The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without SpeechEasy, 36%; with SpeechEasy, 8%
- Reading
Without SpeechEasy, 21%; with SpeechEasy, 3%
This client continued to experience difficulty initiating phrases. The used of vocalizations such as "uh" and "mmm" were demonstrated as "starter" techniques. He was able to return demonstration easily with good results in conversation.
Case Study 2 From Maria Grogan, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Situation
The client is a 35-year-old male, a severe stutterer, working in the field of marketing. The client also reports having a cousin that stutters. The client has had traditional therapy beginning at the age of three. He received direct therapy services three times weekly during the school year from the age of five through twelve. He used an Edinburgh Masker for approximately one year, when he was twelve years of age. He received psychological therapy to treat his anxiety regarding his dysfluencies when he was fifteen years old. This client participated in the "Stutter No More" program with Dr. Martin Schwartz at the age of twenty-eight. He attended the Hollins Intensive Program at the age of thirty. He reports having used various anti-anxiety drugs in the past and was presently taking one at the time of the evaluation.
Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client had difficulty communicating with customers, participating in business meetings and using the telephone in all situations. He expressed concern that his dysfluencies were hindering his job performance.
Upon an evaluation for the SpeechEasy device, it was determined that this client was an excellent candidate given his prior therapy experiences and motivation.
Results
The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without SpeechEasy, 32%; with SpeechEasy, 18.3%
- Reading
Without SpeechEasy, 16%; with SpeechEasy, 2.6%
Also noted was a decrease in the physical struggle that was visibly evident during dysfluencies and the shortened length of his dysfluencies.
Long-term results have been excellent. The client telephoned me several months after using the device to state that he now refers to it as "SpeechMiracle" versus SpeechEasy.
Case Study 3 From Deborah B. Boswell, M.S., CCC-SLP
Situation
The client is a 38-year-old male, a moderately severe stutterer, previously a bartender and now employed as a car salesman in Birmingham. The client's father and grandfather stuttered until about age 10. The client participated in a specialized three-week stuttering program several years ago that yielded poor results.
Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client had difficulty communicating with customers and talking on the phone. Specifically, the client demonstrated part-word repetitions, prolongations and silent and voiced blocks
The client contacted this providing SLP for an evaluation. The client was considered a good SpeechEasy candidate given previous therapy experience.
Results
The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without SpeechEasy, 15%; with SpeechEasy, 2%
- Reading
Without SpeechEasy, 8%; with SpeechEasy, 2%
Elimination of Secondary Characteristics (eyes closing, mouth contortions)
Long-term results have been good, although not as good as during initial fitting. The client wears his SpeechEasy to work everyday and in social situations. The client reported missing his SpeechEasy when it had to be sent in for repairs.
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