Question
I have a student who breaks up his words when he is speaking, so that he has robot-sounding speech. I have tried to research this problem and have called it every term I can think of to try to find information about this type of speech pattern. I have not
Answer
Thanks for your question. Before deciding what to do about this type of speech, I would want to know why he is doing it. For example, is there a language formulation component, like word-finding, or is it a stuttering disorder? I would do some language testing with him and some fluency testing to help differentiate the specific disorder. I would try to teach him a phrased speech approach so that his speech sounds more natural. For example, longer sentences can often be phrased into smaller units (e.g., I want to go // to the store // to buy some candy.). This will help him achieve more natural sounding speech while still reducing his overall communication rate.
If there is a language component, then word-finding, or other language targets will need to be addressed. If it is a stuttering disorder, then your treatment will need to focus on fluency goals. Since I don't know the age of your student, it is difficult to give you specific tests or goals to target in assessment and treatment.
Craig E. Coleman is a Clinical Coordinator at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Co-Director of the Stuttering Center of Western Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Pittsburgh. Craig is a member of the National Insurance Advocacy Initiative and Chair of the National Stuttering Association's Insurance Advocacy Committee. In addition, Craig is an elected member of the ASHA Legislative Council.
Craig Coleman, M.A.,CCC-SLP
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