Randomised controlled trial of the Lidcombe programme of early stuttering intervention

Randomised controlled trial of the Lidcombe programme of early stuttering intervention The participants in this New Zealand study were 54 pre-school children - 29 entered into the Lidcombe programme, and 25 controls. The individualised programme is conducted by parents, following instruction by a speech pathologist. Parents give structured feedback during conversations with their children. Stutter-free speech is acknowledged and praised ('That was smooth'), stuttering is acknowledged ('That was a bit bumpy') and self- evaluation and correction is encouraged ('Were there any bumpy words? Can you say that again?'). Analysis of the results showed a highly significant difference in the two groups after nine months of the trial. The mean proportion of syllables stuttered was 1.5% for the treatment group and 3.9% for the control group, demonstrating the value of early intervention with the programme. Jones, M and others, British Medical Journal 331(7518): 659-662, 24 Sept 2005. Abstract: bmj.bmjjournals.com. Further information on the Lidcombe programme may be found on the British Stammering Association website www.stammering.org/ lidcombe_info.html.