Fluency Shaping TechniquesStuttering blocks occur in the connected speech of people who stutter. Stuttering “blocks” are usually categorized as:
Repetitions –
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- Repeating the same sound or syllable several times. Repetitions usually occur at the beginning of words although sometimes at the end or even the middle syllable.
- The schwa sound “uh” is commonly used to sustain the repetition. For example tuh-tuh-time rather than ti-ti-time.
Prolongations –
Holding the sound, either of the consonant “wwwwwwwhy” or the vowel “oooooonly”. Basically the speaker is unable to get to the next sound and is forced to prolong the sound before.
Blocks
Although all three forms, repetitions, prolongations, and blocks are commonly referred to as stuttering blocks (and counted in measurements of syllables and words stuttered), the term block refers to not being able to get any sound out at all. The person is stuck in silence, but many times this block is accompanied by struggle and tension. the speaker is trying to force the sound out but tension at the articulators or larynx prevents the air from flowing to produce the sound.
What To Do About Stuttering Blocks
Two approaches are used in stuttering treatment to prevent blocks:
- Stuttering Modification – addresses the stuttering block directly reducing the tension.
- Fluency Shaping – restructures the speech to replace stuttering with a new way of speaking.
Some treatments use both to some extent and may combine the approach with work on attitudes and feelings about stuttering using cognitive therapies.
Replacing Stuttering Blocks With A New Way of Speaking
the Stutter-Free Speech Program
