Stuttering Support
What is ‘stuttering’?
“Stuttering is when a person’s speech is interrupted by unplanned breaks, repetitions and stretches of sounds and words.
Stuttering affects the flow and ease of talking. People who stutter can have a hard time communicating.
People who stutter may look and sound like they are having trouble speaking. They may make extra movements of their body and face.”
Characteristics of Stuttering
Repetitions
Repetitions of sounds, syllables, words, and/or phrases.
Prolongations of sounds
Stretching out a word or sounds within a word.
Blocks
Difficulty getting the word out, or a ‘stuck’ feeling.
Other
Movements that may include jerking the head, rapid eye blinking, tightening of fists, or facial tics.
Having a hard time starting a word, phrase, or sentence.
Adding extra words such as “um” when they are having difficulty moving to the next word.
Anxiety about talking.
Stuttering Assessment and Intervention at Ready Steady Speech
At Ready Steady Speech, Madi offers stuttering assessment and intervention for children under 6, and adolescents aged 12-18.
Children under 6
Stuttering Intervention with the Lidcombe Program.
The Lidcombe Program is a widely recognised and effective intervention for treating childhood stuttering, offered by speech pathology professionals. At Ready Steady Speech, Madi proudly provides the Lidcombe Program as a specialised service to support children who stutter and their families.
Ready Steady Speech’s implementation of the Lidcombe Program is personalised and comprehensive. Beginning with an observational assessment to understand each child’s unique stuttering patterns and factors contributing to their speech difficulties. This allows Madi to tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
During the treatment phase, Madi will work closely with the child and their family to implement the Lidcombe Program’s structured therapy approach. This involves regular sessions where the child practices speaking with guidance and positive feedback. Additionally, parents are actively involved in the therapy process, learning specific techniques to use at home to reinforce progress.
The Lidcombe Program at Ready Steady Speech extends beyond therapy sessions. Madi provides ongoing support and education to parents, empowering them to facilitate fluency-enhancing activities in everyday situations. This holistic approach ensures that the child receives consistent, effective support both within and outside the clinical setting.
The Lidcombe Program is supported by robust research showing its effectiveness in reducing stuttering in young children. Studies demonstrate significant improvements in fluency, with many children achieving near-normal speech levels post-treatment. The program’s early intervention approach benefits social and emotional development, reducing the impact of stuttering. Parent involvement is key to success, with research highlighting their crucial role in therapy. Ready Steady Speech prioritises evidence-based practices, ensuring optimal outcomes for children and families seeking support for stuttering.
Adolescents between 12-18 years of age
Stuttering intervention with the Camperdown Program.
The Camperdown Program is an evidence-based treatment designed specifically for adolescents above 12 and adults who stutter. Ready Steady Speech offers comprehensive services utilising the Camperdown Program to support individuals in managing and reducing stuttering.
This approach begins with an assessment to understand each client’s unique speech patterns, triggers, and challenges related to stuttering. This personalised evaluation informs the development of a tailored treatment plan using the Camperdown Program.
The Camperdown Program focuses on teaching clients a unique fluency-enhancing technique called the “Training Model”, “Fluency Technique” or other names. This technique involves modifying speech patterns to reduce the physical struggle and tension associated with stuttering, leading to smoother and more controlled speech.
Parents helping at home is key to the success of the Camperdown Program for teenagers who stutter. Teaching parents about the program and assisting with home practice helps families support their child's progress. This active role creates a supportive environment for teenagers to use their speech skills in everyday conversations.
At Ready Steady Speech, Madi is experienced in delivering the Camperdown Program with sensitivity to adolescents. She provides regular therapy sessions that combine structured practice with ongoing support and feedback to ensure clients’ progress and confidence in using the technique.
Through the Camperdown Program, adolescents benefit from increased fluency, improved communication skills, and enhanced confidence in social and academic settings. Research supports the efficacy of the Camperdown Program for adolescents and adults who stutter. Studies have demonstrated significant improvements in speech fluency and reduced stuttering severity following treatment with the Camperdown Program. These positive outcomes are sustained over time, highlighting the program’s long-term effectiveness. Research also emphasises the program’s benefits in enhancing communication confidence and reducing the impact of stuttering on daily life.
