Fluency and Fluency Disorders (494-0-1)
Instructors
Elisha Lyn Boxer
Meeting Info
Frances Searle Building 1421: Tues, Thurs 1:00PM - 2:20PM
Overview of class
Overview of potential etiologies and characteristics of fluency disorders in children and adults. Focus on assessment, diagnosis, and effective treatment of stuttering across the lifespan. Consideration of the experience of stuttering from the point of view of the person who stutters. Emphasis on the integration of normative data, scientific knowledge, and clinical practice.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
• Summarize, compare, and contrast important historical and current theories about the etiology, nature, development, maintenance, and remission of stuttering
• Discuss variables/factors associated and not associated with the development and recovery of stuttering and fluency disorders
• Integrate an understanding of the typical development of speech fluency as it applies to assessment and intervention in stuttering and fluency disorders
• Describe the parameters of typical speech fluency
• Compare and contrast typical and atypical disfluencies
• Explain the impact of linguistic and nonlinguistic factors which contribute to the production of disfluencies and that facilitate fluency
• Administer, score and interpret assessment procedures for evaluating fluency for preschoolers, school-age children, and adults who stutter
• Compare and contrast common approaches to fluency treatment, such as fluency shaping approaches, stuttering modification approaches, and integrative approaches
• Choose, justify, and demonstrate specific treatment strategies for shaping fluency, modifying stuttering, and improving attitudes towards communication
• Describe the diagnostic features of and treatments for cluttering and related fluency disorders
• Compare and contrast the nature and treatment of cluttering and stuttering
• Consider the experience of stuttering from the perspective of the speaker
• Describe the psychosocial impact of stuttering/fluency disorders and discuss components of education and counseling for patients, family, and other professionals
Evaluation Method
Individual and Group, written and oral projects; objective written exams completed outside of class time via Canvas.
Class Materials (Required)
Manning, W.H. and DiLollo, A. (2025) Clinical Decision Making in Fluency Disorders (5th Edition) ISBN 9781635506334. Plural Publishing.
Available in digital media via Plural Publishing ISBN 9781635504453. Ebook, or paperback may be purchased with a 15% discount using promotion code ST15 when purchased directly through Plural Publishing: https://www.pluralpublishing.com
Prior editions of textbook (4th edition only) are allowed, but content and required readings may not align with the older edition.
Readings will be assigned Week 1 of the course. Please have all course materials purchased prior to the beginning of the course.
Additional readings and course materials will be posted to the course website (or via library links) over the duration of the course. There are no costs associated with these materials
Resource is on reserve at library
Materials are posted on Canvas
Class allows prior editions of textbook
Students are encouraged to consult alternate vendors (Amazon, book rentals, etc.)
Class Materials (Suggested)
See MS-SLL handbook