The application of filial therapy to young children with stuttering problems

Parental Involvement in the Treatment of Stuttering

This article presents the view that parental involvement is essential in the effective management of children who stutter. Our assessment procedures provide clinicians with the basis for ensuring full parental participation. Three approaches are proposed that reflect the changes in the type and degree of involvement required and the therapy goals for different age groups. The first approach considers parent-child interaction skills as a basis for facilitating the development of fluency skills in young children. Intensive group therapy programs are then suggested for the age groups 7–14 and 15–18 years, with differing degrees of parental input.