The Lidcombe program was created to help children under the age of six who stutter. It is performed in two steps and is based on a body of laboratory-operant condition studies. The first stage aims to stop the child from stuttering. The second step is to strengthen the first to be sustained for a more extended period.
The Lidcombe in coroners court is a one-of-a-kind treatment service designed to help stuttering children. Because of the procedure’s efficacy, the program, which has gained worldwide recognition? The main aim of Lidcombe was to create a behavioural treatment to assist stuttering children in recovering from their issues.
How is Lidcombe Program Conducted?
This care involves the presence and convenience of the stuttering child’s parents or closely related relatives. The procedure is carried out by a speech pathologist, who informs the parents about the treatment procedures. The speech pathologist only advises and assists parents or volunteers in carrying out the therapy strategies so that the stuttering infant feels at ease and acquainted with his or her surroundings.
Phases of Lidcombe Program
The Lidcombe program is divided into two phases, focusing on suppressing the stutter and the second on ensuring that the stutter does not reappear. During the first step, the parents must attend the speech pathologist clinic a certain amount of times per week to study the pathologist’s therapy techniques.
Once they know it, the pathologist tests to see that the parents are performing the medication properly, and any error in the treatment could render the stuttering child useless. As a result, adequate instruction must be provided by parents with full participation to produce the required outcomes.
Following the treatment, the parents would direct their remarks on the child’s voice. They cannot overly support any stutter that is resolved and barely point out stutters as they occur to avoid placing too much pressure on the child. Points are assigned to track improvement; no stuttering receives 10 points, extreme stuttering receives 0 points, and weekly observations are taken on this basis, with corrections made in the following weeks.
After the stuttering has been resolved, the child is ready for the second step, and maintaining fluent speech is recommended. For a normal stutterer, the first step usually takes about 11 weeks. The Lidcombe program’s immediate popularity stems from the fact that it is mainly conducted outside of a facility, guaranteeing that it performs successfully and the child’s development in a natural environment.
Is Lidcombe Effective?
If stuttering continues, more specific treatment interventions are available. There is always hope for the school-aged kid who stutters. Although the odds of outgrowing stuttering drop after six, there are techniques for improving coordination and reducing stuttering. Children at this age are also acutely conscious of their differences from their peers. Working with an SLP on speech techniques and how to manage daily speaking conditions is essential.
Remember that your thoughts, as parents, are like sweets to a child; therefore, having them go through the Lidcombe program in coroners court. They devour them. Be polite, kind, and compassionate. Most notably, if you believe your child is stuttering, seek the advice of a speech/language pathologist.