Helena Forne-Wästlund, Auth. Speech-language and hearing pathologist, PhD student

Motto: "Voice and speech training are my favourite activities - they help people to improve their communication skills and enrich their lives."

Speech-language and hearing pathologist, Bachelor of Arts, graduated in 1983 at the University of Göteborg. A Second degree Bachelor of Arts, 1984 in linguistics and nordic languages. 1983-1993 employed as Speech-Language Pathologist by the public health authorities, specialising in multi-linguistics, treatment of stuttering, and delayed/deviant speech and language development in children.

1993-1997 employed as a research assistant by the audiology research group at the Dept. of Audiology in co-operation with Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, The Royal Institute of Polytechnics (Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan), Stockholm and the University of Örebro. Helena developed new methods and materials for speech audiometry and linguistic screening tests. She assisted in linguistic research activities for different dissertations. During this period of time she was Editor of Logopednytt, the professional journal of the Swedish Association of Logopedics.

In 1996 conducted a pilot study for the Swedish Handicap institute and Post- och Telestyrelsen, Stockholm, which formed the basis of the project "Telebaserad talförmedlingstjänst 95/0587 " (tele-based speech communication service) - a speech/interpreting service via telephone.

1997- 2000 project manager of the project “Computer-based Speech Training for People who Stutter” for The Swedish Handicap Institute and the Swedish Stammerers' Association. The project comprised an introduction to the treatment, Precision Fluency Shaping Program (PFSP) as part of a “Comprehensive Stuttering Program” in Scandinavia.

In 1999 opened private clinic specializing in this intensive and efficient treatment designed to improve fluent speech in persons who stutter. The clinic also offers voice treatment and treatment of children as a supplement to public programs.

In 1999 – 2003 she provided continuous information of the results from project. By initiative from Clients, Helena performed interviews together with them in TV news, health programs, interviews in newspapers and Magazines all over Sweden. Her findings were also disseminated to the Swedish self-help groups, members of the Swedish Stammerer’s Association, Colleagues within speech-language pathology, the Medical Doctors at the yearly Convent (Läkarstämman) in 2001, and teachers in Special Education. Internationally, Helena disseminated her findings at The International Fluency Association (IFA) world Congress in Nyborg, Denmark (2000) and Montréal, Canada (2003).

At the International Stuttering Association (ISA) world Congress in Gent, Belgium (2001) Helena performed a lecture of Stuttering in a Theoretical Science context within Swedish research traditions from mid 17th century until today: From Rudbeck, Carl von Linne’, to Courtney Stromsta (neuroscience-work in Sweden in early 1970’s)

The release of her final written report “Datorbaserad talträning för personer som stammar” in 2001, comprising a 2-year follow-up survey, marked the final end of project of introduction of Precision Fluency Shaping Program to Sweden.

Since 2003 she is involved in continuous research on part-time basis in the area of Stuttering and Life Quality issues.