Understanding and Controlling Stuttering A Comprehensive New Approach Based on the Valsalva Hypothesis - The Revised and Expanded 3rd Edition

By William D. Parry

Book Overview

Puzzled about stuttering? Do you wonder why words often feel like brick walls, even before you try to say them? Or why your blocks get stronger the harder you try to force through them? If so, you... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1929773242
• ISBN13: 9781929773244
• Release Date: May 2013
• Publisher: Natl Stuttering Assn
• Length: 306 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent clarification of the stuttering process

This book changed the way I look at my stuttering. It makes riveting reading. The author has clearly spent an enormous amount of time, effort and energy in trying to get a better understanding of his oun stutter, and in the process, formulated a hypothesis that makes a lot of sense. He offers explanations for questions like- why do more men stutter than women?- why do most stutters sing fluently?- why do most stutters have a problem saying their name?He breaks down the process of speach into it's components and deals with each one in turn. He explains why a lot of therapies enable stutters to (for a time period, at least) speak more fluently. Regardless of which therapy one is using - be it prolonged speach, "air flow" technique, "costal breathing" etc etc - this book will help in providing a better understanding.There are exercises at the back and a recommended daily routine program.I've read many books on stuttering, but this one is by far the best. A very comprehensive, thought out and well-researched book.

Every stutterer needs to experiment using this approach...

Mr. Parry has written a book that targets the specific physical act [or acts] that every stutterer performs when they block.I am a mild stutterer, [most people don't know because of word substitution and other avoidance tactics] but can become severe depending on the situation.The explanations and descriptions given to describe our experience are absolutely accurate; you will find yourself nodding your head in agreement.I experimented with the relaxation techniques given on the web site and experienced immediate positive results...not "cure" or instant fluency, but the realization that my speech can be controlled. If the work is put in, it is my belief the exercises discussed in the book, as well as a change in attitude [also discussed in the book] can help a significant amount of stutterers. I highly recommend this book.

Valsalva Hypothesis describes my stuttering very precisely

When I read about Valsalva hypothesis for the first time in an article by Mr. William Parry on the internet, I decided to buy the book "Understanding & Controlling Stuttering" to learn more about this mechanism. The book is very well written from the beginning till end. The explanation of the speech mechanism, the basics of speech, speech functions of the brain, the Valsalva mechanism and all information are written in intelligible terms. The exercises for Valsalva and speech control are very well proposed. I was always puzzled why I spoke fluently in some situations and was not able to say a single word in other ones. I knew I gave much effort to my speech. The Valsalva hypothesis is the most precise description of my stuttering I have ever encountered. I am severe stutterer and exercises described in this book improved my fluency and I hope this improvement will continue. This is the most interesting book about stuttering I have read and I recommend it to anyone who stutters.

I'm in Control

William Parry is a genious. Not only did this book keep me on the edge of my seat, and even made me laugh, but it also revealed the secret of stuttering. This book gave me the tools for fluency. For once, I am in control of what I say. I can talk on the phone, give presentations in class, et cetera... without even thinking about how I'm going to get certain words out. Sometimes it feels like a dream. I will continue to do my excercises (half hour a day) so I never have to wake up!I recommend this book to anyone who stutters or is in the speech pathology/communications field.

Essential for anyone committed to overcoming stuttering

This is the best book I've ever read on stuttering. It explains the physical components of stuttering in an easy-to-understand way and provides invaluable exercises, suggestions, and information. The author has really done his research and never condescends to the reader. This is not a quick fix solution, but provides tools to make a lasting change.