Major focus area

Speech Therapy -> Fluency

Short description

Fluency shaping therapy is a highly structured approach where techniques are implemented by the SLP to increase the length and complexity of the fluent response of a patient who stutters. Fluency shaping techniques establish fluent speech by eliminating stuttering in a controlled stimulus environment. (Guitar & Peters, 1980; Peters & Guitar 1991; Shaprio 1999; Healey & Scott, 1995).

Long description

Fluency shaping therapy is a highly structured approach where techniques are implemented by the SLP to increase the length and complexity of the fluent response of a patient who stutters. Fluency shaping techniques establish fluent speech by eliminating stuttering in a controlled stimulus environment. Through successive approximation, fluency gradually is modified to approximate normal sounding conversational speech. Then efforts are directed to generalize the fluent speech into the person’s natural speaking environments.

Techniques include: manipulation of linguistic length and complexity, speech rate reduction, airflow control, gentle onsets of phonation, and light articulatory contacts. These fluency procedures form the foundation from which other fluency management techniques are based, such as smooth transitions between sounds, proper phrasing, and pitch/loudness control. Singing, choral speaking, and choral reading are quick ways to increase fluent speech. Indications for intervention of a fluency shaping nature include an individual who: stutters openly, does not avoid speaking, perceives annoyance or interference but no personal penalty from stuttering, feels positive about himself as a communicator, and demonstrates a positive response to fluency shaping trial management (Guitar & Peters, 1980; Peters & Guitar 1991; Shaprio 1999; Healey & Scott, 1995).