Application of the InterACT Programme in Speech Therapy Prevention

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the InterACT - Attitude Change & Tolerance programme (Weidner, 2015) for preschool and younger school-age children, as well as the process of its adaptation into Polish (2019) and Slovak (2019-2023) languages. The programme builds on several research studies that have investigated children's attitudes towards stuttering and the possibilities of early exposure to relevant information about stuttering. Research has confirmed the need to address changing attitudes towards stuttering already at pre-school age. Statistically, the InterACT programme has been shown to be effective in improving children's attitudes toward stuttering and teaching how to appropriately interact with children with stuttering (Wesierska and Weidner, 2022). The programme is conceptualised in a way that it can be translated into other languages, with consideration of cultural contexts. As Slovakia is close in terms of language, culture and historical context to Poland, where the effectiveness of the programme is confirmed, we find the application of the results from their research relevant for Slovakia as part of speech therapy prevention and effective support of the process of anti-stigmatisation of stuttering.

Keywords

• prevention
• anti-stigmatisation
• acceptance of stuttering
• education of young children about stuttering