Affiliation:
1. The University of ToledoToledo, OH
Abstract
This case study describes and evaluates an approach to diagnostic treatment and treatment planning that incorporates principles of evidence-based practice and findings from recent research on efficacious treatments of stuttering. A 22-year-old woman with severe stuttering participated in eight diagnostic treatment sessions in which experts used a simplified ABA single-subject design to assess effects of treatment procedures on her stuttering. Professionals selected treatment procedures based on available evidence regarding the procedures, the clinician’s experience with the procedures, and the client’s preferences. They assessed treatment procedures such as prolonged speech, smooth speech, regulated breathing, self-imposed time out, cancellation and speech using the SpeechEasy. Researchers measured the patient’s outcomes using a measure of stuttering frequency, client self-ratings of stuttering severity, naturalness, rate and effectiveness, and the client’s summary of her overall impressions about the procedures. Researchers analyzed stuttering frequency and client self-ratings using visual inspection and Rasch analysis. Analyzing results, researchers found major differences in the client’s responsiveness to the various treatment procedures. The diagnostic treatment process, which emphasized aspects of client self-evaluation and self-management, helped the client reach conclusions about treatment on her own. The client report measures and simplified ABA format in this study seemed adequate for helping to document differential effects of the treatment procedures and to facilitate treatment planning. Findings support further clinical application and research using this evidence-based approach to diagnostic treatment and treatment planning.
Publisher
American Speech Language Hearing Association