OPUS Collection:

How simple can a treatment for early stuttering be? A proposed two-factor early intervention

2026-03-10T00:00:00Z

Title: How simple can a treatment for early stuttering be? A proposed two-factor early intervention Authors: Onslow, M; Hearne, A; Yu, K; O'Brian, S; Menzies, R; Lowe, R Abstract: Purpose: In this clinical focus article, we draw attention to the need for immediate intervention shortly after stuttering onset. More than half of stuttering onsets occur before 3 years of age. We argue that existing interventions for preschool children who stutter require varying levels of cognitive engagement from children; hence, they are not suitable for children of that age. For this reason, we argue that there is no clinical trials evidence for treatment efficacy with children younger than 3 years of age. Conclusions: There are many recommended parent strategies that do not require any active participation from children, which, therefore, may be suitable for immediate stuttering intervention. Two of these have laboratory support in their favor: parent speech rate reduction and increased interturn speaker latency. Therefore, we developed a clinical protocol based on those two parent strategies and showed the clinical viability of the protocol with three children who stuttered. We argue that automation of our proposed treatment with lifelike artificial intelligence–generated avatar clinicians will make it globally viable, and a suitable target for future Phases I–IV clinical trials.

A Phase I trial of iLidcombe: Online treatment for young children who stutter

2026-04-27T00:00:00Z

Title: A Phase I trial of iLidcombe: Online treatment for young children who stutter Authors: Ross, F; Onslow, M; Jones, M; Menzies, R; Packman, A; O'Brian, S; Hearne, A; Lowe, R Abstract: AIM: The aim of this Phase I trial was to assess the safety, compliance, and potential efficacy of iLidcombe, a standalone internet version of the Lidcombe Program for young children who stutter. METHOD: We used a prospective single-group design involving 6 months of access to iLidcombe. Assessments occurred pretreatment and after 6 months of access. Participants were 20 parents of young children who stuttered. RESULTS: There was evidence of stuttering severity reduction after using iLidcombe for 6 months. Compliance with the program was favorable, and there was no suggestion of any psychologically adverse impact on children. CONCLUSION: The results of this Phase I trial provide a roadmap for further Phases II-IV clinical trial development.

Constructive discussion and city-making: discursive dynamics and opportunities to influence housing outcomes in Sydney, Australia

Title: Constructive discussion and city-making: discursive dynamics and opportunities to influence housing outcomes in Sydney, Australia Authors: Wearne, S; Baumber, A; Potts, M; Riedy, C; Matter, S; Robinson, H; Salignac, F; Paredes, LHL; Spackman, C; Mason, S; Reddan, C; McLauchlan, L Abstract: This paper offers a transdisciplinary and socio-cultural exploration into the way cities are planned and governed. It focuses on the concept of “constructive discussion” and uses the housing system of Sydney, Australia as a case study. Mobilising qualitative analysis of interviews with people that influence, or represent, key sectors of the public in relation to housing, the paper has two aims. First, it presents an analysis of how constructive discussion appears to relate to housing issues in Sydney. Doing so shows how constructive discussion can provide a new vantage point to consider and conceptualise complex social issues influencing governance and planning in cities. In our case, a focus on constructive discussion enabled ideation of social interventions and democratic innovations that complement technical and policy responses and understand Sydney’s ‘housing system’. We document both the diagnosis, and potential responses, in the paper. Most broadly, the paper shows that a focus on constructive discussion can offer new insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to achieve transformative system change in urban and democratic contexts. Our research emerged from a transdisciplinary collaboration between university academics and civil society actors in Sydney, Australia and we propose the ongoing integration of systems science, socio-cultural perspectives and transformative agendas can benefit from such endeavours.

Using Playmobil as a creative research tool to explore women's experiences of menopause in the workplace.

2025-11-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Using Playmobil as a creative research tool to explore women's experiences of menopause in the workplace. Authors: Owen, A; Taylor, J; Burton, A Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The present work was designed to explore women's experiences of going through the menopause while working, using Playmobil as a tool for eliciting discussion. A growing body of evidence shows the value of using playful approaches in research; however, very little research has explored the use of Playmobil as a research method. METHODS: Research was carried out with 12 co-researchers (aged 31-60) working at a UK university, who were perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Women attended a workshop and were encouraged to discuss and reflect on their experience of menopause in the workplace using playmobil to facilitate group discussion. The session was audio-recorded. RESULTS: Three themes were developed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis regarding menopause experiences in the workplace: (1) menopause symptoms fundamentally changing experiences of work, (2) symptoms leading to doubts about the ability to work effectively, and (3) ideas for moving forward and improving experiences of menopause in the workplace. CONCLUSIONS: Playmobil was a useful method for stimulating discussion. Physical and psychological symptoms of the menopause can have a substantial impact on a person's working life. Workplace settings need to ensure sufficient support is available for employees who are experiencing menopause.