This paper explores the rationale for using language-based therapy for young stutterers. The ways in which knowledge of the structure of language and knowledge of language acquisition sequences may be used to facilitate fluency are discussed. Current therapies for young stutterers, those of Ryan and Van Kirk, Stocker, Gregory and Hill, and Wall and Myers, are described. Each of the therapies employs techniques requiring the manipulation of linguistic variables in order to increase the child's fluency.
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