Different Approaches to the Same Disorders

People of old stuttered and lisped much as we do today. They had structural malformations and functional problems that affected their speech. These aren't new issues unique to our generation. However, it is because they have penetrated throughout humanity that we have speech pathologist today.

Distant Past
Way back when, there were not professionals to consult with in regards to communication issues, so there were many approaches. Some tried to help themselves. For example, Demosthenes, a Greek orator, battled his stutter by placing pebbles in his mouth and practicing talking (presumably to build up control of those muscles). Others, consulted surgeons to snip their lingual frenulum, remove portions of the tongue, or mess with their nerves in hopes to gain control over their various speech impediments.

Recent Past
More recently, there has been more emphasis placed on finding the root of the problem. For example, the source of a communication disorder could be because of:

• a structural malformation (something anatomically preventing the production of correct and intelligible speech such as hearing loss)
• a behavioral disorder that secondarily affects speech
• a traumatic experience (an environmental deprivation)
• any sort of cognitive impairment 

Identifying the source of the problem is the key to successful treatment. As I researched it became obvious to me that the reason why my field has recently developed is because our world is shifting. In earlier times, society was more labor intensive. People were blacksmiths, seamstresses, and so forth. As long as you could work with your hands, you were okay. Today, our work force has shifted into communicative centered roles. Without the ability to effectively and clearly communicate without drawing negative attention to yourself, functioning in this present day society will be very difficult for you.

During Reconnaissance times, in plays and artwork, a person with a stutter was often identified via large glasses. This was because it was common for those with a stutter to squint and distort their facial features as if they couldn't see. Thus, they would wear glasses. 

Brosch, S., & Pirsig, W. (2001). Stuttering in history and culture. International Journal of Pediatric          Otorhinolaryngology, 59(2), 81-87. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/85358528?  accountid=4488 

Law, J., Reilly, S., & Snow, P. C. (2013). Child speech, language and communication need re-examined in a public health context: a new direction for the speech and language therapy profession. International Journal Of Language & Communication Disorders,48(5), 486-496. doi:10.1111/1460-6984.12027