What is the Camperdown Program?
The Camperdown Program is an evidence based treatment program for stuttering in adolescence and adults developed and clinically tested at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. The Camperdown Program is based on an effective technique used for centuries to treat stuttering known as prolonged speech. This new program however retrains adolescents (13 years and above) and adults to use a smooth speech pattern in significantly less time and with greater ease than in previous prolonged speech programs.
What types of Stuttering does Camperdown Target?
The Camperdown Program is designed to target and reduce symptoms of all adult forms of stuttering. These include the major symptoms:
- Prolongations e.g. ‘aaaaaaple’
- Repetitions of sounds, words or phrases e.g. ‘The apple apple apple is green’
- Blocks i.e. gaps of no sound while attempting to speak
The program also simultaneously reduces secondary associated features such as uncontrolled movements, facial grimaces and ticks.
How long does the program take to work?
The length of treatment is dependent on the individual’s severity of stuttering and responsiveness to the program. The Camperdown is structured into the following 4 stages:
- Stage I: Teaching Treatment Components (Learning the speech pattern)
Approximately 30min-1hour/wk sessions with a Speech Pathologist
- Stage II: Instatement (Developing consistent smooth speech)
At least 2-3 20minute sessions/day at home +weekly speech pathology sessions
- Stage III: Generalisation (Learning to control stuttering in everyday conversation)
Consistently throughout the day dependant on the individual
- Stage IV: Maintenance (Preventing relapse)
Consistently post treatment dependant on the individual
You can read more about the program here at the Australian Stuttering Research Centre’s website: Camperdown Program – ASRC – The University of Sydney
This article was written by our speech pathologist Ashleigh Fattah who is a Speech Pathology Australia member.
If you have questions about the Camperdown Program for treating stuttering contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a speech pathologist in Sydney. Contact us today!
We‘ll provide you with simple, efficient and very effective speech therapy targeted to your concerns.
About Ashleigh Fattah
Ashleigh Fattah is a Speech Pathologist who sees both children and adults. She has experience from a Master of Speech and Language Pathology degree and a spectrum of clinical environments including private practice, inpatient and outpatient hospitals school and community based practice.
Ashleigh is committed to providing evidence-based interventions for children and adults alike, tailoring therapy to each client’s individual needs. Her clinical experience enables her to provide comprehensive one-on-one, group and school program interventions. Ashleigh is trained in providing an array of up-to-date therapy techniques to help both children and adults achieve their goals.
