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Short Biographical Sketch
Joseph Agius is a Speech Language Pathologist and Fluency Specialist. He received his Masters degree in Clinical Speech and Language Studies from Trinity College, Dublin and his Doctorate in Education degree from the University of Sheffield. He is employed as Principal Speech Language Pathologist by the Health Division, Government of Malta and he lectures on ‘Fluency Disorders’ and ‘Language and Psychiatry’ at the University of Malta.
Lecture Title
The ‘Smart Intervention Strategy’ (SIS) for School-Aged Children Who Stutter
Abstract
Research has shown that children who stutter view speaking more negatively and experience more negative speech-related emotions than do non-stuttering peers (De Nil & Brutten, 1991). However, practical strategies for helping children who stutter change their feelings and beliefs about stuttering are limited.
We need strategies to use in treatment that would help us help children make changes. We need tools to assist the child in finding a balance between modifying speech and developing and maintaining healthier attitudes and feelings. Teaching of thinking as a skill using Prof. Edward de Bono’s ‘Direct Attention Thinking Tools’ are used to help children ‘problem solve’ and broaden perception to develop and maintain positive attitudes towards themselves and communication.
In this presentation, the results of a study exploring shifts in the attitude and feelings of school-aged children who stutter following a thinking skills programme will be discussed. The findings of this study led to a suggested model of intervention, the ‘Smart Intervention Strategy’ (SIS), with school-aged children who stutter. An overview of the SIS will be presented.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
- be introduced to the direct attention thinking tools,
- become familiar with the results of a study exploring shifts in attitudes and feelings of school-aged children who stutter following a thinking skills programme,
- become familiar with the structure and contend of the ‘Smart Intervention Strategy’ for school-aged children who stutter.
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