Stammering can significantly impact a child’s social, emotional, and educational development. The recent feasibility trial, “Evaluating Palin Stammering Therapy for School Children (Palin STSC 8–14),” provides groundbreaking insights into how speech and language therapists (SLTs) can enhance their practice and improve outcomes for children who stammer. This blog explores the key findings and offers practical advice for SLTs.
Understanding Palin STSC(8–14)
Palin STSC(8–14) is a structured therapy program designed to reduce stammering frequency and its impact on children aged 8-14. Developed at the Michael Palin Centre, this approach integrates fluency strategies, family communication skills, and cognitive-emotional support to foster confident and effective communication.
Key Findings from the Feasibility Trial
The trial compared Palin STSC(8–14) with Treatment as Usual (TAU) and focused on several key objectives:
- Recruitment and retention of therapists and families
- Acceptability of the research processes and therapeutic intervention
- Appropriateness of therapy outcome measures
Results indicated that Palin STSC(8–14) was well-received by both children and parents, showing promising improvements in stammering severity, communication skills, and parental confidence.
Implementing Palin STSC(8–14) in Your Practice
To leverage the benefits of Palin STSC(8–14), SLTs should consider the following steps:
- Training: Undertake comprehensive training in the Palin STSC(8–14) approach, which includes 13 video-recorded sessions and optional Q&A sessions with specialists.
- Family Involvement: Ensure active participation of at least one parent in therapy sessions to support the child’s progress.
- Focus Areas: Address family communication skills, cognitive-emotional needs, and direct fluency work to create a holistic support system for the child.
Encouraging Further Research
The feasibility trial has paved the way for a full-scale randomised controlled trial. SLTs are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing research and consider participating in future studies to contribute to the evidence base and improve therapy outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Evaluating Palin Stammering Therapy for School Children (Palin STSC 8–14): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing Palin STSC(8–14) with usual treatment.
