Category Archives: Long-term effectiveness of the Lidcombe Program

While the parents in my clinics are delighted with the results they achieve for their children using the Lidcombe Program many are also concerned about the long-term success rate of this method. Have you any comments to make or some references about this that I might pass on to these parents?

Reference:
Jones, M., Hearne, A., Onslow, M., Packman, A., Ormond, T., Williams, S., Schwarz, I., & O’Brian, S. (2008) Extended follow up of a randomised controlled trial of the Lidcombe Program of Early Stuttering Intervention. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders

This recent research into long-term outcomes indicates that most children who successfully complete Stage 2 are maintaining stage 2 criteria from 3 to 7 years after treatment. In this study 16% did experience relapse after 2 or more years maintaining stage 2 criteria. Research at this stage has not been conducted for longer follow up periods. Jones et al also report that currently there are no known predictors in relation to relapse following completion of Stage 2. They do recommend that parents remain alert to the possibility of relapse. The Australian Stuttering Research Centre is conducting further research in relation to the risk of relapse post Lidcombe Program.

At the completion of Stage 2 we alert parents to the possibility that for some children, relapse may occur some years ahead. We advise them to contact us immediately for advice should relapse be detected, thus allowing for appropriate management to be determined and addressed in a timely manner.