A research program aiming to find out what causes stuttering in children will be established following a donation of $300,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital from Mr Philip S. Myer. Research will be conducted at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and led by clinicians and researchers from the hospital’s Speech Pathology Department.
The RCH/MCRI program of research will focus on causes of stuttering, and will utilise a multi-disciplinary approach to further our understanding of stuttering. Researchers will:
- for the first time, examine brain function in children who stutter through neuro-imaging (fMRI)
- investigate the relationship between epilepsy and stuttering,
- explore genetic links.
Stuttering is a common developmental disorder, and occurs in about 1% of the overall population, while between 5% and 15% of children stutter at some point in childhood.
Six-year-old Andrew Monagle and his mother Christine will be present at the research launch on Monday. Christine had a slight stutter which is now under control. Andrew’s was treated in the Speech Pathology Department at RCH using conventional methods. When these methods failed an EEG examination was conducted to check for other causes. This revealed abnormal electrical activity in the area of his brain that deals with speech. Anti-epileptic medication was prescribed and his stutter disappeared. Andrew’s sister also stuttered and responded to conventional treatment. This family’s experiences illustrate the different pathways that may result in stuttering.
The fact that stuttering occurs among family members is of interest to researchers. There is also increasing interest in the fact that there may be anomalies in the speech and language areas of the brain in people who stutter. Prof Vicki Anderson will investigate this by applying fMRI (functional MRI) technology for the first time to children who stutter.
Media is invited to join us for the launch of this world first research program.
- EVENT Launch of ‘Research into Stuttering in Children’
- DAY Monday 7th October 2002
- TIME 10.30am
- PLACE Ella Latham Meeting Room, Level 1, Royal Children’s Hospital
For interview:
- Christine and Andrew Monagle
Professor Sheena Reilly, Professor of Speech Pathology, RCH
Professor Vicki Anderson, Professor of Psychology, RCH.
Professor Bob Williamson, Director, MCRI.
Mr Philip S. Myer, donor and former stutterer.
Other members of the research team will also be present.
For further information contact Julie Webber at Royal Children’s Hospital on 9345 5130 or 0407 327 418.
This story appeared on
- Channels 7, 9 and 10 on Monday 7th October and in
- The age newspaper on Tuesday 8th October.
- Radio coverage Australia wide Monday 7th October