Stuttering Stories - Case Studies
The stuttering stories that follow are actual case studies and commentary. In each case the stuttering therapy was provided by professional speech pathologists...Deborah B. Boswell, M.S., CCC-SLP
Professional Speech Services of Alabama
Birmingham, AL
Professional Speech Services of Alabama
Birmingham, AL
"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."
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."
Stuttering Stories - Case Study 1
Situation: The client is a 38 year old male, moderately severe stutterer, previously a bartender and now employed as a car salesman in Birmingham, AL. The client's father and grandfather stuttered until about 10 years of age. 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.
Stuttering Therapy Results: The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation Without SpeechEasy, 15 percent; with SpeechEasy, 2 percent
- Reading Without SpeechEasy, 8 percent; with SpeechEasy, 2 percent
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.
Stuttering Therapy Provider:
Deborah B. Boswell, M.S., CCC-SLP
Professional Speech Services of Alabama, PC
Birmingham, AL
Professional Speech Services of Alabama, PC
Birmingham, AL
Stuttering Stories - Case Study 2
Situation: The client is a 43 year old female, moderate to severe stutterer, employed as a receptionist / assistant in a hospital setting in Birmingham, AL.
Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client exhibited silent blocks, part-word repetitions, and secondary characteristics, such as eyes closing and mouth contortions. The client reported difficulty in paging individuals on the PA system at work and answering the phone.
This providing SLP considered the client a good SpeechEasy candidate given previous speech therapy completed as a teenager as well as the client's job situation and high level of motivation.
Stuttering Therapy Results: The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation Without SpeechEasy, 37 percent; with SpeechEasy, 1 percent
- Reading Without SpeechEasy, 3 percent; with SpeechEasy, 0 percent
Stuttering Therapy Provider:
Bonnie McKenzie, M.S., CCC-SLP
McKenzie Center for Speech & Language
St. Louis, MO
McKenzie Center for Speech & Language
St. Louis, MO
"I have found SpeechEasy to be a useful tool for many people who stutter. I ask people to rate improvement on a scale of 0 to 10, with "0" meaning "No Improvement" and "10" meaning "Miracle / No Stuttering" and I always explain it's not a miracle; it's not a cure. I have seen "9"s; lots of "5"s, "6"s, and "7"s, and some "0"s. For many who had improvement in the 5 to 9 range, learning techniques along with the device helped a lot!"
Stuttering Stories - Case Study 3
Situation: The client is a 24 year-old female employed as a substitute teacher. Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client reported difficulty speaking on the phone, talking to authority figures, and during job interviews. The client also reported heightened speech fear and anxiety in these situations. Silent blocks and repetitions were observed at presentation.
Stuttering Therapy Results: The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy...
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation Without SpeechEasy, 15; with SpeechEasy, 1 to 4
- Reading Without SpeechEasy, 5; with SpeechEasy, 0
Stuttering Therapy Provider:
Bonnie McKenzie, M.S., CCC-SLP
McKenzie Center for Speech & Language
St. Louis, MO
McKenzie Center for Speech & Language
St. Louis, MO
Stuttering Stories - Case Study 4
Situation: The client is a 35 year old female homemaker who presented to this providing SLP with severe stuttering characterized by blocking, breath holding, and multiple inhalations while attempting to initiate voice. Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client indicated that stuttering interfered with all aspects of life despite previous efforts with speech therapy, including PFSP. The client specifically reported difficulty transferring control into everyday speech and maintaining improvements.
Stuttering Therapy Results: The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy...
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation Without SpeechEasy, 10; with SpeechEasy, 0
- Speaking Rate Without SpeechEasy, 110; with SpeechEasy, 117
Click here to locate a Providing SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) nearest to you who is certified to dispense and fit SpeechEasy devices. If you are interested in obtaining a SpeechEasy device, we can let you know what to expect and provide you with the answers to some frequently asked questions.
