PDA

View Full Version : The stuttering reflex


ATRIANACPA
05-16-2009, 03:07 PM
Ever wonder why stuttering is so different among people from purely cosmetic to total disfluency. Some people say that they don't stutter while singing, talking to themselves, pets, whispering, babies, etc, etc. Well, the reality is that if your are self conscious enough you will stutter while doing all these activities and even singing. Self consciousness creates a "freeze" reaction that will do just that to your breathing, cords, muscles, etc. Can you dance and keep the beat while self conscious? Probably not.

The key is not to trigger the reflex and the number one remedy is by not thinking or becoming self conscious. Thought control is crucial. During the day your mind should be blank and only at night while in bed should you think about what strategies have worked. Once you master that then there are several things that will sure help and they should be used together.

1. Fluency Shaping (easy onsets, elongations, etc)
2. Rhythem to your speech with fluency shaping.
3. Alter auditory feedback ( i.e see my prior earplug post)
4. Pagoclone - When it is finally approved!

grantM
05-16-2009, 11:37 PM
Personally your 4 step method is too much for me. I will have to wear a device of some sort, take drugs, and continually think about rythmn and onsets. But if it works for you it works for you and perhaps it will for other also. I think the notion that you have a will over your stutter is unfounded and silly, but that it a personal opinion.