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The Lidcombe Programme of early stuttering intervention: methods and issues
M Onslow1, S O'Brian, E Harrison
1Australian Stuttering Research Centre, University of Sydney, Lidcombe NSW, Australia. M.Onslow@cchs.su.edu.au
Summary
The Lidcombe Programme, an operant intervention for early stuttering, is effectively administered by parents. This paper addresses criticisms regarding its simplicity, operant nature, safety, and evidence base.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- The Lidcombe Programme is a parent-administered operant intervention for early stuttering.
- Recent presentations in the UK revealed openness to the treatment among speech and language therapists.
- UK publications raised several criticisms regarding the Lidcombe Programme's approach and evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the Lidcombe Programme.
- To address specific criticisms raised in the UK concerning the treatment.
- To provide logical, theoretical, and empirical perspectives on the criticisms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing research.
- Theoretical examination of operant conditioning principles.
- Empirical evaluation of the Lidcombe Programme's effectiveness and safety.
Main Results:
- The Lidcombe Programme is a structured, yet adaptable, intervention.
- The treatment utilizes operant principles to facilitate positive environmental changes.
- Evidence supports the programme's safety and efficacy in treating early stuttering.
Conclusions:
- The Lidcombe Programme is a scientifically supported intervention for early stuttering.
- Criticisms regarding its simplicity, operant nature, and potential harm are addressed and refuted.
- The programme's efficacy is supported by robust empirical evidence.