Stuttering may seem like an easy problem to solve. The internet is littered with advice and tips to stop stuttering. But for many adults, stuttering is a lifelong disorder that requires professional guidance to overcome. Several years ago, there was a huge advancement in speech therapy for stuttering, known as MPI. With MPI treatment, adults who stammer can greatly improve their speech in a matter of weeks.
Does MPI Stuttering Therapy Really Work?
Modification Phonation Intervals (MPI) therapy has been proven to be one of the most effective and quickest treatments for adults. A $3 million, six-year study by Roger Ingham found MPI stuttering therapy changes brain activity. The results suggested ways that stuttering treatment could be modified to increase the positive outcome of speech therapy.
A subsequent study on the efficacy of MPI programs for adults had very positive results. The study compared MPI and prolonged speech treatments. Most of the participants who completed the treatment improved their speech to that of normally fluent adults. Many of the successful participants identified themselves more as a “normal speaker” and less of a “stutterer.” Eleven of the fourteen successful participants received the MPI treatment; only three were successful with the prolonged speech treatment.
See for yourself how MPI stuttering treatment works for adults.
What is MPI?
People who stutter produce short phonation intervals, which means they voice sounds too rapidly. These short phonation intervals increase stuttering. Therefore, if you can reduce the number of intervals, you can reduce stuttering. Modification Phonation Interval treatment helps patients increase the length of intervals, which in turn reduces the number of intervals. To put it simply, MPI therapy reduces the number of times stuttering adults get stuck on a sound.
How Does MPI Stuttering Treatment Work?
As with most speech therapies, MPI stuttering programs usually consist of three phases: establishment, transfer, and maintenance phase.
Establishment Phase
The goal of this stage is for the client to achieve natural-sounding, stutter-free speech in a clinical setting. Improved speech is accomplished with the help of experienced clinicians and is often supplemented with computer applications.
Transfer Phase
In this phase, the goal is for the client to transfer the fluency they acquired in the establishment phase to situations outside of the structured clinical setting. Speaking in a real-world setting, such as talking on the phone or ordering in a restaurant, presents different challenges. The best MPI programs help their patients transition by monitoring and evaluating certain interactions.
Maintenance Phase
The maintenance phase can take up to one year. It is monitored by a clinician on a regular basis. The goal is to maintain stutter-free speech over time and in many different situations.
MPI Can Help Stuttering Adults
MPI therapy is a proven, efficient method to help stuttering adults achieve normal speech. It is more effective than long term treatments. Adults can stop being held back by their stutter. They can stop missing out on social and career opportunities. MPI stuttering programs can help any motivated adult overcome stuttering and give them the tools to move on with their lives.
Learn about our MPI-2 Stuttering Program. If you or a loved one struggles with a stutter or stammer, contact us today.