Robot-Sounding Speech

Question

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.