The Evolution of Stuttering Care and Therapy Standards From a Preventive Perspective: A Historical and Systematic Review
Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the evolution of standards of care and therapy for stuttering from a preventive perspective. The research problem concerns how approaches to stuttering have changed over time, particularly in relation to prevention, early intervention, and the role of educational environments. The study employed a narrative literature review method, enabling a synthetic presentation and interpretation of the development of selected theoretical concepts and therapeutic practices from historical and systemic perspectives.The paper follows a chronological and thematic structure, outlining key stages in the development of theoretical and clinical approaches to stuttering. The results of the analysis indicate a gradual shift from symptom-oriented corrective models toward multifactorial, developmental, and environment-focused frameworks. Particular attention is given to the growing importance of early identification of difficulties, modification of communication environments, interdisciplinary cooperation, and changes in social attitudes toward stuttering, including perspectives related to communicative neurodiversity. The conclusions emphasize the need to implement preventive and inclusive strategies at the level of elementary education in order to support children who stutter and reduce long-term psychosocial consequences.
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