Adolescents

Our treatments

Currently, the approach that has been shown to be most effective in treating stuttering in adolescence is Smooth Speech. This approach has been widely researched, and has been shown to produce both immediate and long-term results.

Smooth Speech is a technique that teaches people to alter their speech pattern. We usually offer two programs: The Intensive Smooth Speech Program and The Camperdown Program.

Intensive Smooth Speech Program

We run an Intensive Smooth Speech programs especially for adolescents (ages 12-17) twice a year. The program usually runs during the first week of the university semester, then once weekly for the following seven weeks.

We also offer review days to assist with the maintenance of fluency after the completion the program.

What to expect

  • Each group usually has 12-15 participants.
  • The program is 60 hours over two months.
  • The program includes an intensive week (five consecutive full days), followed by weekly two hour sessions for seven weeks.
  • Individual treatment is provided by supervised speech pathology students, usually with two students to one participant.
  • Group practice opportunities are provided, but most of the treatment is individual.
  • Opportunities and ideas for home practice and transfer of fluency are tailored to individual needs.
  • Expect to be challenged, and to work hard to achieve/maintain fluency.

Benefits of this format

  • Participants can meet and share experiences with other teenagers who stutter.
  • We provide individual and group treatment.
  • There is ongoing support in the form of review days.
  • Treatment is tailored to the individual.
  • Treatment is delivered by enthusiastic student speech pathologists, interested in working with people who are stuttering.

The Camperdown Program

What to expect

  • The program is approximately 20 hours in duration.
  • Program duration will vary based on individual progress.
  • The program involves individual weekly one hour clinic visits.
  • Once a certain level of progress is reached, participants attend a group practice day.
  • The individual will then resume weekly one hour sessions.
  • Opportunities and ideas for home practice and transfer of fluency are tailored to individual needs.
  • Expect to be challenged, and to work hard to achieve/maintain fluency.

Benefits of this format

  • Less clinical contact time required than some other treatments.
  • Promotion of self-evaluation skills which will help the transfer of fluency.
  • Treatment is tailored to the individual.