UQ’s speech pathology students teach the art of smooth talking

A group of UQ speech pathology students recently ran an intensive treatment program for people who stutter.

Coordinated by lecturer Dr Elizabeth Cardell, the five-day program, held between July 20-24, required participants to visit the on-campus clinic for nine-hour sessions, and participate in both individual and group treatment exercises.

“Results of research indicate that for most adults who stutter, intensive practice of a different and smoother speech pattern is the most effective way to change stuttered speech,” Dr Cardell said.

“Additionally, people can make a lot of change very quickly and this can be reassuring and very motivating.”

“Given that one to two percent of the adult population stutters, we need more graduates with these competencies in stuttering management to address a communication disorder that can have debilitating effects on people educationally, vocationally, and socially.”

For some years now, there have been no professionally run intensive treatment programs in Queensland for people who stutter.

Dr Cardell said the UQ program – which is a replication of a well-researched program at La Trobe University in Melbourne – would provide an opportunity for Queenslanders to participate in evidence-based best practice treatment for stuttering.

“The UQ clinic is dedicated to ensuring the community can obtain excellent treatment services for stuttering while simultaneously ensuring speech pathology students can experience working with specialist staff whilst learning to deliver the treatment,” she said.

In addition to the five-day intensive program, participants will be required to attend seven follow-up sessions.

The program can be tailored to the “talking needs” of each person, with speech exercises designed to help with talking on the telephone, shopping, making enquiries and speaking in front of an audience.

Dr Cardell said the exact cause of stuttering was unclear.

“There is research that shows structural and functional differences in the brains of people who stutter, however, whether this is the cause of stuttering or the result of stuttering is not certain,” she said.

“We believe that stuttering is a problem of coordinating the timing of speech.

“We know that stuttering is not caused by poor parenting habits or extreme anxiety, although people who stutter may become very anxious as a result of their trouble talking.”

It has been proposed that the program be run twice per year at UQ.

“Stuttering is an extremely frustrating and debilitating condition that can severely limit participation and opportunities in daily communication,” Dr Cardell said.

“Also, it can negatively impact on quality of life.

“Queenslanders deserve access to the best available treatments and the Division of Speech Pathology at UQ is delighted to offer this opportunity.”

Media: Dr Cardell (07 3365 6087, e.cardell@uq.edu.au) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (07 3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)