Case Studies
Commentary & SpeechEasy Case Studies From
Maria Grogan, M.Ed., CCC-Sp
Ultimate Speech, Inc.
High Point, NC
"SpeechEasy is another tool in the SLP’s toolbox, just one more option for our clients. SpeechEasy will not replace traditional therapy. Many people who stutter find that SpeechEasy enables them to use the techniques learned in speech therapy with less effort.
As an SLP dispensing SpeechEasy, I am very interested in working closely with the original SLP to ensure that therapy, if needed, is continuous and I fully support that SLP in any way that I can."
SpeechEasy Case Study 1
Situation
The client is a 35 year old male, severe stutterer, working in the field of marketing. The client reports having a cousin that also 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. His 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 the SpeechEasy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without the SpeechEasy, 32%, with SpeechEasy, 18.3% - Reading
Without the SpeechEasy, 16%, with the 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.
SpeechEasy Case Study 2
Situation
The client is a nine year old male, moderate stutterer, with no family history of dysfluencies. This client has attended biweekly speech therapy sessions with a school clinician for the past several years.
Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, his dysfluencies consisted of part-word repetitions, prolongations and silent blocks without secondary characteristics. The client’s mother reported that the client participates in class however he is very dysfluent when speaking in front of peers. She stated that his dysfluencies increased when he missed several therapy sessions due to holidays, summer break, etc...
Upon evaluation, it was determined that this client would be a good candidate for the SpeechEasy device given his understanding of traditional therapy techniques.
Results
The client experienced the following immediate results with the SpeechEasy device:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without SpeechEasy, 17%; with SpeechEasy 6% - Reading
Without SpeechEasy 10%; with SpeechEasy, 2%
Long-term results have been excellent. The child continued to receive speech therapy services from the school clinician on a consultative basis for the first three months after receiving the SpeechEasy device. He has since been exited from the SLI program and continues to exhibit consistent fluency within the normal limits.
