Two- to Six-Year Controlled-Trial Stuttering Outcomes for Children and Adolescents

Abstract

This research is a long-term follow-up of a previously published, controlled trial on the effectiveness of 3 stuttering treatments (intensive smooth speech, parent-home smooth speech, and intensive electromyography feedback) for children and adolescents, aged 11 to 18 years, who stutter. The previous controlled trial showed all 3 treatments to be effective compared to nontreatment after 12 months. This paper reports on the treatment effectiveness after an average of 4 years post-treatment. Results demonstrate that treatment gains were maintained in the long term, with rates of stuttering similar to the 1-year postoutcomes. There were no significant differences among the 3 treatments in long-term effectiveness. This controlled study substantiates the claim that the treatments investigated will more than likely have substantial long-term benefits for the fluency and personality of children and adolescents who stutter.