Advice for an adult who stutters

Stuttering and its impact
Stuttering can impact a person’s life in a number of ways (Menzies et al, 1999). It may affect feelings of self-worth, attitudes to communication, educational achievement and even choice of job. Speaking more fluently can result in more enjoyment in talking, increased confidence, and simply saying more in less time.

Feeling “in control”
Speaking fluently is something most people take for granted. However for those who stutter, speaking can be distressing and embarrassing. Stuttering treatment can increase your fluency and help you to feel in-control. One program that has been scientifically shown to help adults who stutter to speak more fluently is the Camperdown Program.

Treating adult stuttering
For adults who stutter, the Camperdown Program has been researched and produces good results in a short space of time (O'Brian et al, 2003). More importantly, it has been developed and tested to give adults the best chance of staying fluent for years after treatment.

Anxiety
Many adults who stutter experience anxiety. They may feel that anxiety causes them to stutter and wonder whether they should see a speech pathologist or psychologist. The relationship between anxiety and stuttering is not clear. Sometimes stuttering therapy is all that is needed to reduce anxiety. However, if anxiety about speaking persists during or after stuttering therapy, a referral to a psychologist is appropriate.

Menzies, R. G., Onslow, M., & Packman, A. (1999). Anxiety and stuttering: Exploring a complex relationship. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 8, 3-10.
O'Brian, S., Onslow, M., Cream, A., & Packman, A. (2003). 
The Camperdown Program: Outcomes of a new prolonged-speech treatment model. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 46, 933-946.