What is The Lidcombe Program?
The Lidcombe Program - Description
The Lidcombe Program is a behavioral and direct therapy approach to treating early childhood stuttering. It is performed in the child’s natural environment in two stages by parents who are guided by trained Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs).
Preschool Stuttering - What is expected and when to seek assessment
Most children will experience a period of stuttering between the ages of 3-5. This is because they are gaining the majority of speech sounds AND undergoing a huge language burst - all part of typical communication development. This can sometimes overwhelm their systems, kind of like a bucket that is too full of water. The overflow comes out as stuttering.
If you observe your child using many repetitions of sounds or words, exhibiting facial tension or making their voice louder or higher in pitch in an attempt to “push” the words out, an assessment is definitely recommended.
If you have concerns for your child’s ability to express their wants and needs or you’re concerned about bullying or teasing, an assessment is recommended.
If you have a history of stuttering in your family or your child is aware of their difficulties speaking, an assessment is recommended.
There is absolutely NO REASON to wait for an assessment for stuttering. We can begin working on many things very early.
Assessment
All speech - language pathologists (SLPs) at Better Learning Therapies have training in evaluating and treating children who stutter. The diagnostician will administer standardized and non standardized tests that will reveal your child’s understanding of language (receptive) as well as how they use language (expressive). They will also look at motor speech skills, speech naturalness (prosody) and oral motor skills for feeding.
A large part of stuttering assessment is learning the goals the child has for therapy as well and speaking with the family members about their goals for treatment. There is no cure for stuttering - some children will spontaneously recover and others may persist in stuttering.
Treating Preschool Stuttering with the Lidcombe Program
The Lidcombe Program is direct treatment that is parent led and child focused. Your speech therapy sessions will be set up for parent coaching, supporting your efforts at reducing stuttering and increasing positive feelings surrounding communication skills. Therapy is individualized, fun and focused on the child’s interests.
Each child’s journey is unique and there are many factors that will impact and influence success in treatment. We know from research and experience that children who stutter - even those who persist - can be successful with consistent and appropriate help.
Schedule an Appointment
If you think your child is stuttering and you’d like to learn more, please don’t wait. We can help!
Click the image above and book your appointment today.
