Disturbances in Speech Fluency and Trends in Speech-Therapy

Research on disturbances in speech fluency and effect of these disturbances on inter-human communication make it possible to get a more complete knowledge about the mechanisms of speech. Results of this kind of investigations have also a practical function, as they allow defining the principles of prophylaxis and therapy in people who have trouble with speaking. It should be noted that fluency of speech is expressed in the skill of connecting particular elements of an utterance, in a proper use of pauses, adequate rhythm and pace of speaking. Efficiency in connecting particular elements of an utterance comprises segmental and supra-segmental organization of the phonic sequence containing four levels. On the articulatory-phonetic level disturbances of fluency of speech are manifested in prolongation, omitting and repeating sounds and syllables. In this situation the speech therapist makes the decision concerning the kind of proceedings. Logotherapy, psychotherapy of pharmacological treatment are the most frequent methods. Logopedic proceedings aim at determining the proper pace of speaking, removing the difficulties in reading, developing musical capabilities, enriching the active vocabulary or broadening the concentration of attention. Therapy in people who stutter may be conducted by using various ways of teaching fluent speech. Relaxation is significant in therapy. When a stuttering person is relaxed the gravity of his disturbance decreases. There are many programs, methods and techniques of therapy in stuttering persons. However, the decision about starting a proper action should be made after a thorough diagnosis. Then proper steps in therapy may be taken