Helping Adolescents Who Stutter Focus on Fluency

Abstract

This article recommends that structure and consistency in treating adolescents who stutter are particularly important. The impact of the speech-language pathologist’s positive expectations for improvement is discussed as having a definite influence on the student’s attitude and belief that such progress is possible. A comprehensive program of both cognitive and self-instructional procedures (relaxation, mental imagery, and positive self-talk) and behavioral speech treatment strategies is recommended to promote durable results. Basic tenets of treatment believed critical when helping adolescent students who stutter are offered