unlocking the key to stuttering
The research , which is funded by a AUD $ 391,000 grant from America ’ s National Institute of Health , is being conducted at Curtin University Stuttering Treatment Clinic in collaboration with Dr Shelly Jo Kraft from Wayne State University , Detroit . new university autism program launched
unlocking the key to stuttering
Curtin University researchers are on the hunt for the genes which may be responsible for stuttering , believing genetics , rather than environmental or behavioural factors , may trigger the disorder which affects approximately 11 per cent of Australia ’ s population .
“ We still don ’ t know what causes stuttering but the overall consensus is that it is a complex interplay between a multitude of factors . What we are doing now is hunting for the genetic markers for stuttering – we haven ’ t found them yet but the hunt is proving very interesting because it is uncovering a lot of unique findings , one of which is a strong penetrance in Western Australian families .”
Associate Professor Janet Beilby , from Curtin ’ s School of Psychology and Speech Pathology , is trying to identify the genes which may be responsible for the condition by examining saliva samples from 4,000 participants over the next two years .
“ Stuttering is a problem in the ongoing rhythm of speech where a person knows exactly what they want to say but involuntarily loses control of their speech muscle patterns just as they are about to speak ,” Associate Professor Beilby said .
“ It manifests itself as either repetitive speech or a dragging or cessation of speech , but individuals are perfectly eloquent if they are singing , whispering or talking in time to a beat .
Researchers are especially keen to collect samples from multiple generations of people who stutter in the same family .
The ultimate aim of the study is to identify which genes are responsible for stuttering so it can be screened for and children identified at risk can be monitored and offered early intervention as needed . This would prevent the ‘ watch and wait ’ approach currently utilised and which often results in the disorder being strengthened over time until it is too intractable to treat .
“ People who stutter start to do so between two and three years of age when they are beginning to master adult speech development ,” Associate Professor Beilby said .
Professor Janet Beilby is researching potential causes of stuttering .
“ This is the ideal age to nip it in the bud so if we can stop the child practising it , then we can set them up successfully for life .”
The research , which is funded by a AUD $ 391,000 grant from America ’ s National Institute of Health , is being conducted at Curtin University Stuttering Treatment Clinic in collaboration with Dr Shelly Jo Kraft from Wayne State University , Detroit . new university autism program launched
Torrens University Australia has launched a new national Graduate Certificate in Education ( Autism ).
Developed in response to demand from educators to be equipped with specific skills relating to autism , the program aims to better support individuals with autism by recommending changes to the classroom approach as well as education policy .
The Graduate Certificate in Education ( Autism ) is also suitable for existing educators wishing to move into consulting on education policy and practice , with many opportunities arising for individuals to offer advice on education strategy as independent contractors to education departments and schools . linkonline . com . au news
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