Evaluating the Efficacy of Telepractice Speech Therapy for an Adult Who Covertly Stutters

The aim of this case study is to evaluate the efficacy of telepractice speech therapy sessions using a holistic therapeutic approach (e.g. stuttering modification, avoidance reduction, acceptance and commitment therapy) to reduce avoidance of stuttering and increase positive self-image as a communicator for an adult who covertly stutters as compared to baseline. The current study utilizes an ABM single-subject experimental design (SSED) format (baseline [A], intervention [B] and maintenance [M]). Measures of the participant’s baseline attitudes toward their stutter were taken using the Overall Assessment of the Speaker’s Experience of Stuttering - Adult Version (OASES-A) and percent of words stuttered (%WS) prior to the start of intervention. The participant received bi-weekly speech therapy sessions over the course of 9 weeks, including both a 1-hour individual therapy session and a 1-hour group therapy session. During the intervention phase, weekly data points of frequency of stuttering (%WS out of a 300- word conversational sample) and self-report of avoidance using a Likert scale were collected. The intervention phase has been completed and the participant is currently in the maintenance phase. Data collection and analysis will be completed by mid-July. Data will be analyzed via visual inspection to observe any possible effects of intervention