Is parent-child interaction therapy effective in reducing stuttering?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) with young children who stutter.


METHODS
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.
Millard
Sharon K
SK
The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children, Finsbury Health Centre, Pine Street, London EC1R 0LP England. sharon.millard@islingtonpct.nhs.uk
Nicholas
Alison
A
Cook
Frances M
FM
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013342:Stuttering / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*