Standalone Internet speech restructuring treatment for adults who stutter: A phase I study

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Telehealth Interventions
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Stuttering affects adults, with limited access to traditional speech therapy.
• Clinician-free programs offer potential solutions for accessibility and relapse management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a clinician-free Internet-based speech restructuring program for adults who stutter.
• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a self-guided treatment based on the Camperdown Program.

Main Methods:

• A Phase I trial involving 20 adults who stutter.
• Participants had 6-month unlimited access to a 9-phase Internet program.
• Primary outcomes included percentage of syllables stuttered and self-reported severity.

Main Results:

• Five participants completing all phases achieved >50% reduction in stuttering frequency.
• Two additional participants accessing >50% of the program also showed significant reductions.
• Stuttering reduction was proportional to program engagement.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to the clinician-free program was a challenge.
• This novel Internet-based approach shows potential as a viable alternative for stuttering treatment.
• It may help address access and relapse issues in adult stuttering therapy.