Fluency Disorders

Fluency Disorders is a comprehensive, graduate-level textbook that offers a much broader scope on this subject than most contemporary textbooks. Whereas many textbooks classified under "fluency disorders" focus almost entirely on developmental stuttering, Kenneth J. Logan provides in-depth information about fluency functioning across a range of clinical populations - including developmental stuttering. This textbook offers students a detailed exploration of contemporary research and analysis on issues such as (1) processes integral to fluent communication; (2) ways in which researchers from various fields of speech-language pathology conceive fluency; (3) etiologies and characteristics of disorders that affect communication fluency; and (4) applicable and effective approaches to clinical assessment, prevention, and treatment for disorders that affect communication fluency. With developmental stuttering as a primary focus of this text, Fluency Disorders is ideal for graduate courses on developmental stuttering. Moreover, through addressing normal aspects of fluency, fluency and communication, and the fluency characteristics of communication disorders other than stuttering readers can (1) describe how developmental stuttering fits within the broader framework of communication disorders; (2) explain why fluency is a relevant, functional construct for many communication disorders; and (3) develop skills in assessing and treating fluency-related issues. This approach is consistent with the current standards for clinical certification specified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC). Fluency Disorders is divided into four main sections: Fluency and Verbal Communication address general fluency-related concepts, approaches to describing fluency, and fluency characteristics of typical speakers. This section also addresses issues related to individual differences, cultural and bilingual influences, and fluency changes over the lifespan. Characteristics and Etiology detail the characteristics and etiologies of various fluency disorders, including: developmental stuttering, cluttering, acquired stuttering, and information about uncommon fluency problems. Clinical Considerations review the research on assessing and treating fluency impairments with clear, practical explanations of how these assessments and treatments are implemented. Summary and Conclusions summarize the main themes and concepts, as well as general conclusions about the current state of basic and applied research with fluency disorders, associated clinical practices, and future directions. With specific, easy-to-follow instructions for conducting key clinical procedures, decision-making flowcharts, and basic concepts related to evidence-based practice, Fluency Disorders is truly distinguishable from other texts in the field.