What is the Lidcombe Program?
The Lidcombe Program (LP) is a behavioural and direct treatment approach for preschool children who stutter. It has been shown to be effective for treating stuttering in young children, giving children who stutter a 7-8 times chance of remediating stuttering than children who did not receive any treatment (Jones et al., 2005).
The LP is a parent-training program which means that parents are taught how to administer the treatment at home.
How is the treatment done?
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Treatment is completed in 2 stages.
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In Stage 1, the Speech-Language Therapist (SLT) guides the parent to reduce the child’s stuttering to zero or extremely low levels of stuttering. This is done by teaching the parent to praise fluent speech and/or gently correct the child’s stuttering.
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In Stage 2, the SLT works with the parent to ensure that stuttering does not relapse, but maintains at low or zero for the long term.
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SLT guided sessions are conducted weekly via face-to-face or telepractice sessions, and parents are required to deliver the treatment daily in the child’s natural environment.
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Treatment recommendations are tailored to each child, so that your child has a positive and fun experience.
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For more information about the LP and the research that supports it’s effectiveness, please visit www.lidcombeprogram.org