Authors: Millard SK, Nicholas A, Cook FM
Title: Is parent-child interaction therapy effective in reducing stuttering?
Source: Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research 2008 51(3): 636-650
Year: 2008
Research Design: Single Case Design
Abstract:

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) with young children who stutter. METHOD: This is a longitudinal, multiple single-subject study. The participants were 6 children aged 3;3-4;10 [years; months] who had been stuttering for longer than 12 months. Therapy consisted of 6 sessions of clinic-based therapy and 6 weeks of home consolidation. Speech samples were videorecorded during free play with parents at home and analyzed to obtain stuttering data for each child before therapy, during therapy, and up to 12 months posttherapy. RESULTS: Stuttering frequency data obtained during therapy and posttherapy were compared with the frequency and variability of stuttering in the baseline phase. Four of the 6 children significantly reduced stuttering with both parents by the end of the therapy phase. CONCLUSIONS: PCIT can reduce stuttering in preschool children with 6 sessions of clinic-based therapy and 6 weeks of parent-led, home-based therapy. The study highlights the individual response to therapy. Suggestions for future research directions are made.

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