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An operant intervention for early stuttering. The development of the Lidcombe program
M Onslow1, R G Menzies, A Packman
1University of Sydney.
Behavior Modification
|January 11, 2001
Summary
This study introduces a new speech therapy for early stuttering. Parents train children using positive reinforcement for fluent speech, offering a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Stuttering is a common speech disorder impacting social and occupational aspects.
- Current adult treatments are resource-intensive, prone to relapse, and yield unnatural speech.
- Early intervention is crucial for managing stuttering effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an operant treatment for early stuttering in preschool children.
- To train parents in delivering verbal contingencies for stuttered and stutter-free speech.
- To assess the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the developed treatment.
Main Methods:
- Parental training in operant conditioning techniques for speech.
- Implementation of verbal contingencies during everyday parent-child interactions.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes through medium and long-term studies.
Main Results:
- The operant treatment demonstrated relapse-free control of stuttered speech in preschool children.
- The program proved to be cost-effective.
- Positive outcomes were observed in medium and long-term follow-ups.
Conclusions:
- Parent-implemented operant treatment is an effective and sustainable approach for early stuttering.
- This method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional therapies.
- Early intervention through parental training can lead to lasting fluency.
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