If your child has a stutter, you may sometimes feel like their words are stuck at the starting line. The good news? There’s a proven way to help them get those words racing ahead—smoothly and confidently! Meet the Lidcombe Program: a gold-standard, evidence-based approach designed just for young children who stutter, and available through online speech therapy anywhere in Australia.
Whether you’re in a busy city or a rural community, our online speech therapists make it possible for families to access support without the travel—perfect for busy parents, families on the NDIS, or anyone looking for flexible therapy options.
What Is the Lidcombe Program?
The Lidcombe Program isn’t a magic spell (though it can feel that way sometimes!). It’s a behavioural treatment—meaning it focuses on what your child says and how they say it, in real-life situations. The unique twist? Parents or caregivers deliver the treatment every day at home, with guidance from a qualified speech therapist in Australia.
Why parents? Because you’re your child’s best cheerleader! You know their routines, their moods, and their funny little quirks. By making therapy part of everyday conversations, your child gets plenty of opportunities to practise speaking smoothly—in the car, during play, at breakfast… even while brushing their teeth (bonus points if you don’t get toothpaste on your shirt).
Our NDIS speech therapy services mean the Lidcombe Program can be part of your child’s NDIS plan, making access even easier for families.
How Does It Work?
Think of the Lidcombe Program as a “team sport” with two main players:
- Parents/Caregivers: You’ll learn gentle, effective ways to praise smooth speech and encourage your child to try again when speech gets bumpy.
- Speech Pathologist: Your coach, trainer, and biggest supporter. They’ll teach you the techniques, track progress, and adjust the plan to suit your child.
The program has two stages:
- Stage 1 – Frequent practice, lots of positive feedback, and close monitoring of stuttering.
- Stage 2 – Gradually reducing practice while maintaining smooth speech over time.
It’s flexible, practical, and designed to fit into everyday family life.
Telehealth and the Lidcombe Program – A Perfect Match
With speech therapy online, there’s no need to bundle the kids into the car or battle traffic. The Lidcombe Program works beautifully via telehealth, making it ideal for families who want to access online therapy in Australia. Through secure video calls, your speech pathologist can:
- Watch you practise with your child in real time
- Give tips, feedback, and encouragement
- Show you how to adapt the activities to your child’s interests
- Track progress just as effectively as in-person sessions
Parents love therapy connect because it happens right in the comfort of your home—where your child is most relaxed and natural. Plus, it’s easier to weave therapy into daily routines, which is exactly what makes the Lidcombe Program so effective.
Why Families Love It
- Evidence-based: Decades of research support its success.
- Family-led: You’re in the driver’s seat, making it part of everyday life.
- Supportive: You’re never doing it alone—your speech pathologist is there every step of the way.
- Flexible: Works in-person or via online speech pathology, so you can get help anywhere in Australia.
- NDIS-friendly: Fits easily into NDIS-funded Allied Health Therapy plans.
Many families also combine the Lidcombe Program with other supports such as occupational therapy online, online psychology in Australia, occupational therapy for autism, speech therapy for autism, and even NDIS dietitian services—making care holistic and well-rounded.
Ready to Help Your Child’s Words Find Their Flow?
Ready to Help Your Child’s Words Find Their Flow?
Stuttering doesn’t have to hold your child back. With the Lidcombe Program—whether in-person or through telehealth—you can give them the tools and confidence to let their voice shine.
Contact our friendly Client Services team at 1300 488 532 or [email protected] to get started.
