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From: Timothy Pannara
Date: 19 Oct 2010
Time: 21:13:39 -0500
Remote Name: 108.27.120.226
Hi, So my understanding of the Lidcombe Program is that it approaches and treats stuttering behaviorally, using positive feedback like praise when the child accomplishes fluent speech. There seems to be very good outcomes for children who go through Lidcombe, but couldn't the success rate also be attributed to the fact that about 80% of children will naturally recover from stuttering on their own? Since the approach of the Lidcombe Program relies on feedback, doesn't this approach make the assumption that stuttering can somehow be unlearned since it by nature a behavioral problem? A big issue I see is that if we address stuttering as primarily behavioral, how do we explain to the families of children who do not recover through the program? Does this not put pressure on the parents and child who are unable to rid themselves of stuttering, despite the proclaimed success rates mentioned? Would this not dangerously imply that there is something wrong with what the child and parents are doing, although it may not actually be there fault? My questions do not come out of scrutiny for the Lidcombe Program. I have posed these questions because I would like clarification and information on my part, and because I also believe there should be caution and concern for families who do not find success in this program. Thank you very much for writing this article and giving people like me the opportunity to learn more.