What is a principal component of the Lidcombe Program for childhood stuttering?

The Lidcombe Program is an evidence-based treatment specifically designed for preschool-aged children who stutter. A key component of this program is the active involvement of caregivers in providing feedback on the child’s speech. Caregivers are trained to offer praise for fluent speech and guidance during moments of stuttering, helping to create a supportive environment where children can learn to manage their fluency. This feedback is critical in reinforcing positive speech behaviors and is structured to be consistent and informative, helping the child develop awareness and control over their speech patterns.

Other options do not align with the core principles of the Lidcombe Program. While acknowledging feelings about stuttering or teaching nonverbal communication strategies may be beneficial in some contexts, they are not principal components of this specific program. The focus remains on reinforcing fluent speech and addressing stuttering directly through caregiver involvement.