Technical solutions for quantitative and qualitative assessments of speech fluency

Current and emerging technical solutions for the differential diagnostic evaluation and assessment of speech fluency are reviewed and discussed. These systems were selected with just one intentional bias--the need for clinicians to carry out valid, reliable, and accurate measurements of speech fluency, its disruptions, and associated clinical features. Some seasoned technical solutions for the assessment and evaluation of stuttering have been known for many years, but have received little attention. Recently, a number of new options have appeared, and others are in the final stage of development. Empirical data about the performance or functionality of all of these technologies are lacking. As a result, clinicians who purchase them do not have access to adequate performance-related data. This article should help clinicians make reasonable judgments about the effectiveness of emerging technologies specific to assessment of speech fluency.