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From: Ann Packman
Date: 10/6/03
Time: 5:22:31 AM
Remote Name: 129.78.64.100
Thank you for thoughtful comments. I think it is now clear that drawing attention to stuttering does not make stuttering worse, providing that it is done in a positive and constructive manner and that children are given, at the same time, a means to be more fluent. That is what happens in the Lidcombe Program. Having said that, there is evidence from research that a very small percentage of children who are participating in the Program respond negatively to having attention drawn to their stuttering. In such cases, it is usual for parents to simply reinforce fluent speech until stuttering is very infrequent and the child is able to tolerate comments about it.
Now to your question: As a general statement, I believe that every preschooler has a right to effective treatment for their stuttering. It is well-known that children start to develop negative attitudes to speech, and are less responsive to treatment, once they enter the school-ageyears. Deciding to withhold altogether a treatment that is known to be effective is a serious matter, but it is possible that there might be circumstances that could warrant this for an individual child. Of course, it is the right of every parent to decide if they want treatment for their child.
Ann