IYO, How can the variable release threshold hypothesis - significantly reduce stuttering? And result in a phase closer to early onset stuttering?

IYO, How can the variable release threshold hypothesis - significantly reduce stuttering? And result in a phase closer to early onset stuttering? Below is an explanation of the variable release threshold mechanism. **In your opinion, how can this help us achieve a stutter phase closer to early onset stuttering?** ​ >Explaining the variable release threshold hypothesis ([source](https://www.google.com/search?q=%22variable+release+threshold%22+%22stuttering%22)): > >The VRT hypothesis suggests that stuttering occurs when a person perceives an unwanted speech error (like anticipating a stutter), leading to the cancellation of the speech plan and resulting in a "silent block." This results in the nerve impulses needed to execute the speech motor plan not being generated, halting speech movements. > >Interestingly, when listening to our inner speech, we typically hear fluent, correctly encoded words. This implies most perceived speech errors aren't real but imaginary, leading to excessive and unnecessary error-repair activities. Disfluencies often arise from trying to execute speech plans too soon, before they are ready, due to a concept known as the "execution threshold." This threshold acts as a quality control, preventing premature execution of potentially incorrect speech sounds. > >The execution threshold can rise excessively if: > >(1) There is an underlying mild speech-production impairment. > >(2) There are distorted perceptions of how perfect one's speech needs to be. > >(3) Listeners, such as parents, are incapable of understanding or unwilling to try, regardless of how perfectly the person speaks. > >Children may develop a conditioned reflex that inhibits them from speaking in situations where they expect negative responses, reinforcing the cycle of stuttering. Silent blocks are seen as an "approach-avoidance conflict," where the desire to speak increases dopamine, but the desire to avoid negative experiences (such as during perceived errors) decreases it. If avoidance outweighs the approach, dopamine levels don't reach the necessary threshold for speech execution. > >People who stutter (PWS) often fail to create effective speech plans during triggers like anticipation, leading to blocks filled with hesitations and interjections. This further reinforces fear and anticipation of stuttering in the future. > >The VRT hypothesis integrates the Anticipatory Struggle and EXPLAN hypotheses, explaining that the release threshold fluctuates based on the perceived importance of speaking clearly, accurately, error-free, and appropriately. The higher the perceived importance, the longer it takes for the sound to become sufficiently activated for motor execution. For example, saying "*My name is John Doe*" sets a higher threshold for the name due to its perceived importance. **TL;DR Summary:** In summary, significant factors preventing the execution of sounds include: * Anticipation and evaluation of whether listeners will understand * Perception of past and present speech performance, rather than actual performance, leading to negative value judgments ​