Lidcombe

LIDCOMBE PROGRAM FOR EARLY INTERVENTION FOR STUTTERING

The Lidcombe Program is a behavioural treatment for young children who stutter, administered by a parent/caregiver in the child’s everyday environment. This method is typically used with children younger than six, but can be effective for school-age children as well. Parents learn how to carry out the treatment plan during weekly visits to the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). During these visits, parents are taught, observed, and given feedback by the SLP. 

This therapy approach involves the parent commenting directly about the child’s speech; but is largely positive, with the parent commenting primarily when the child speaks without stuttering and only occasionally when the child stutters. The parent does not comment on the child’s speech all the time, but chooses specific times during the day in which to give the child feedback. 

The Lidcombe Program is conducted in two stages:

1) direct treatment

2) maintenance

A qualified Speech-Language Pathologist can help determine if this treatment method is the right fit for you and your child.