There are few evidence-based interventions for school-aged students who stutter, which target students’ psychosocial outcomes (Johnson, et al., 2023). Based on the 3Es model of stuttering intervention, this paper follows on from Part 1 (which focuses on Education and Ease), in order to highlight the positive outcomes for students, when empowerment is observed as an equally important therapy target and underlying principle of intervention.

Based on the current literature (Lamoureux et al., 2024) which emphasises the importance of psychosocial outcomes for students who stutter, this presentation outlines the key strategies used in the Empowerment aspect of group interventions (including 4-day intensive therapy and 2-day follow-up formats) for students who stutter.

Data collected from group participants (n=20) regarding their negative thoughts and beliefs about stuttering and the perceived impact of stuttering on their daily lives will be reviewed. Real world examples and case studies will be presented to illuminate the challenges and complexities associated with intervention for students who stutter, whose well-being may be profoundly affected by their communication difficulties. Pre- and post-intervention self-report measures demonstrate both the need for approaches that target the psychosocial features and the benefits for students that can be achieved.

Practical strategies for managing the psychosocial features of stuttering in the school-aged population and building students’ self-efficacy, through effective service delivery, will be provided. Case examples will be drawn from both the group intensive programs (held during end-of-term holidays) and 2-day group follow-ups, which focus on reviewing and practicing individualised strategies supporting students’ sense of Empowerment. Results from self-report measures and standardised assessment tools (Unhelpful Thoughts and Beliefs About Stuttering UTBAS-6; Overall Assessment of Speakers Experiences of Stuttering) will demonstrate student outcomes.

Challenges in program implementation and future directions will be discussed within a framework of continuous improvement.

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