Foundations of Stuttering

There have been many theories about the cause of stuttering and many misconceptions exist. Currently, it is believed that a number of factors play a role in the development and maintenance of stuttering. These factors can be grouped and classified as constitutional, environmental, and communication factors. There is some evidence that stuttering is genetic; it does run in some families. There is also evidence that stuttering is due to a disorder in the timing of movements of speech muscles, a defect in auditory feedback, and a lack of cerebral dominance for language functions. Stuttering is not a symptom of emotional or mental problems, although it may become a source of stress and cause emotional difficulties. "Foundations of Stuttering" presents a new perspective on stuttering. A key aim of the book is to establish a rational and scientifically defensible foundation for the study and management of the stuttering disorder, based on the fact that stuttering is manifestly a disorder of speech. Central to this objective is the interrelation of findings from the fields of stuttering, psychology, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics that support the analysis of stuttering as an intrinsic anomaly of speech production. The book presents critical analysis of much of the literature in the field to present a fully objective, scientifically oriented study of the disorder. Dr Wingate has made significant contributions in the area of fluency disorders. In 1969 and 1970, publication of articles that led to his Vocalization Hypothesis stimulated a great deal of research in the area of stuttering which underlies current theory approaches. This book: offers a new departure in understanding stuttering and a rational, non-theoretical analysis of the disorder; identifies a major principle central to the nature and management of stuttering; and, represents the culmination of forty years of study, research and clinical experience.