A study into the predictors for stuttering: Investigating the explan model and language-based theories

Spontaneous speech samples from children at different ages who have either persisted in stuttering or recovered were analysed. The first part of the study considered the validity of the EXPLAN model proposed by Howell (2004) by replicating previous work. The findings were mainly in agreement with previous studies. However, the findings suggest a possible development change in stuttering behaviour around age 10-12 years which is not accounted for in the current stalling/advancing part of EXPLAN. The relationship between grammatical type and fluency is uncertain in children. To further elucidate this relationship parts two, three and four examined a variety of approaches as to what linguistic factors might predict fluency. The conclusion emphasizes the need to consider an integrated approach to the study of developmental stuttering, including EXPLAN and language-based theories. Further research into dysfluency should include specific grammatical word types such as numerals as well as an investigation into whether dysfluency on a function word affects the following content word