Palin Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for young children (0-7) who stammer
The Michael Palin Centre is an internationally recognised centre for excellence in the field of stammering, credited with the exposition of the multifactorial model of stammering as well as Palin Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. The multifactorial model explains stammering as a phenomenon that does not have a single cause, but occurs because of several contributing factors. These include physiological, psychological, linguistic (speech and language), and environmental factors.
Comprehensive assessment of a child who stammers should explore each of these factors. The resultant formulation should aim to highlight factors contributing towards a child’s stammer that can be changed. Palin Parent-Child Interaction Therapy provides parents with the opportunity to reflect on their interaction with their child during free-play using short video recordings made during each session. Thorough discussion with the SLT parents learn to positively affect their child’s communication environment, while the young person experiences more opportunities to be fluent.
The programme involves an initial assessment, a 6 week period of direct therapy, a 6 week consolidation period where parents implement what has been learned at home, followed by a review session on the 12th week. A longitudinal study (Millard, Nicholas & Cook; 2008) has demonstrated the effectiveness of Palin Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for child who have stammered for 12 months or more.
Millard, S. K., Nicholas, A., & Cook, F. M. (2008). Is parent–child interaction therapy effective in reducing stuttering?. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 51(3), 636-650.