A Stage-1 trial of a hybrid speech-focused treatment for stuttering delivered in a non-residential semi-intensive format

Purpose

From 1981–1999, Pat Richard Sacco directed a residential, highly intensive, group, hybrid speech-focused treatment program for stuttering, five weeks in duration, which yielded significant reductions in stuttering and improved communication attitude. However, this model is costly, which may be a barrier to treatment. The aim of this study was to document preliminary outcomes of a three-week, non-residential, semi-intensive version of the program.

Method

Using a single subject, multiple-baseline, stacked AB design featuring three participants who stutter (two adults, one adolescent), baseline speech (monologue, read-aloud) was compared with speech following three treatment phases (stuttering exposure, stuttering modification, speech stabilization) for frequency of primary and secondary stuttering behaviors and speech rate. Ratings of speech naturalness were collected from listeners with no training in speech-language pathology. Finally, participant impressions of the treatment program and treatment impacts were gathered from graduation speeches.

Results

Relative to baseline speech, by the end of treatment: a) frequency of primary and secondary stuttering behaviors decreased to zero or near-zero for all participants, b) speech rate increased for one participant and decreased in one or both speaking tasks for two participants, and c) speech was produced with near-typical naturalness. Participants endorsed increased knowledge and confidence, sense of community, and speech-related behavioral changes.

Conclusions

The treatment reduced stuttering and changed speech rate, improved speech naturalness, and drove other acute perceived benefits in all participants. Additional research is warranted to document outcomes more comprehensively, on a larger scale, over the longer term, possibly with refinements for improving outcomes.