I have been told by a colleague that we no longer need to take the percentage syllables stuttered count in the Lidcombe Program. Can you explain to me how we know when to go to Stage 2 now that one of the measures has gone?

Your colleague is correct that the Lidcombe Program Treatment Guide has been amended and that collecting %SS is optional. The criteria for entry into Stage 2 are 1. beyond clinic severity ratings of 1 or 2, with at least four of these being 1, for three consecutive weeks, and

2… within clinic severity ratings of 1 or 2 for the entire interaction with the child, for a three-week period.

It is important that the SLP spends a period of time ‘tuning in’ to the child’s speech within the clinic, as would occur if a %SS measure was collected. This ensures that the SLP and the parent are not missing any stutters.

If taking a %SS measure assists in making a decision in regards to entering Stage 2 for a particular client, then this can still be used.