Let's Talk Early Childhood Stuttering and the Lidcombe Program
Today, we're chatting about an incredibly impactful program that is definitely one of my favourites: The Lidcombe Program. Speech Pathology Australia’s 2023 review of the Stuttering Clinical Guidelines tells us that, consistent with independent reviews of the topic, the best overall quality of clinical trial evidence for early intervention for stuttering lies with the Lidcombe Program.
So, what is the Lidcombe Program?
Developed by researchers at the Australian Stuttering Research Centre (ASRC), the Lidcombe Program is specifically designed for children, from ages 3 to approx. 6 years, who are experiencing stuttering. The program revolves around 2 simple yet effective concepts:
1. praise and reinforcement
2. practicing smooth talking
Picture your lovely child saying a sentence fluently, and bam! They get sprinkled with praise. It's like Pavlov's dogs, but instead of drooling over a bell, they're celebrating their newfound fluency.
The Lidcombe Program, however, isn't just about doling out compliments like confetti at a party. It also involves structured therapy sessions where parents and/or caregivers are supported to take on the role of Speech Therapist.
You might be thinking, "How does it work?" The magic lies in something called "operant conditioning." By using strategies to help your child to be smooth and then rewarding fluent speech and, at times, gently correcting moments of stuttering, the Lidcombe Program helps rewire the brain's speech patterns. It's like teaching a new smooth dance routine.
The often unexpected upside of the Lidcombe Program is that it doesn’t just improve speech fluency. Time and again I see it boost confidence, foster communication skills, and create a supportive environment where stuttering isn't seen as a stumbling block but as a stepping stone towards greater fluency and self-expression.
It is always a joy to support my families through the twists and turns of the Lidcombe Program and watch children become their best fluent ‘me’!