commentr/StutterJune 16, 2025

Content

I disagree with the previous post that dismisses apps out of hand. That's not to say that I believe an app can ever "solve" stuttering, barring some wild scientific breakthrough. But as a tool with limited benefits, an app can be incredibly useful. Take DAF/FAF (delayed auditory feedback/frequency auditory feedback) - it's a crutch, yes, but a very helpful crutch within certain situations. I'll illustrate. My stutter is usually mild in person, and often nonexistent, but it flares like crazy over the phone, especially in high stakes situations like interviews. So having a DAF/FAF app to assist in that specific scenario is definitely helpful, both in terms of the practical impact on my speech and the psychological support. I'm under no illusions that it's any kind of a long-term solution but it helps get me over the bump to an in-person conversation. I agree that it's necessary to address shame, identity, trauma, etc, but the fact that the app cannot address those variables doesn't make it worthless. I have no idea if this suspicion is rooted in truth at all, but I don't overuse the app for fear that my brain could become desensitized to the effect. Unfortunately, there are many DAF apps that don't make the cut in my book. The app I rely on, DAF/FAF Aid, developed by Florian Student, was removed from the app store years ago. The only reason I can still use it is because it's downloaded onto an old iPod. I looked at some newer apps and they weren't the same because of two factors: 1. The shortest possible delay was too long for it to be as effective (I think the one I use can go as low as 30 or 40 ms). 2. The one I use has a "multi-DAF" feature, which means you can build a customized chorus of voices at different frequencies and delays. That really reinforces the effectiveness in my experience. That said, I haven't looked at the newest DAF app options in a several years so it's entirely possible that something as effective (or more effective!) has been developed since then. In short, I think there's a place for apps as long as you're realistic about your expectations and use the right app in a targeted way.

Themes

Therapy & Professional

Subthemes

Assistive Devices