Page No:157-166
S. Jayadevi Jayaprakash, and Saraswathi Bhaskar
Chennai
Childhood stuttering is characterised by disruptions in speech fluency, with
developmental, neurogenic, emotional distress, and psychogenic factors contributing
to its complexity. This single-case study conducted in Chennai, India, aimed to evaluate
the effects of Non-Directive Play Therapy (NDPT) on a child who stutters within a
diverse family structure. Additionally, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
was used to assess parent-child attachment and the grandmother’s attitudes toward
the child through personal interviews. The study employed an integrated approach,
combining 24 sessions of NDPT with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) over six
months, involving the child, parents, and family members. The results revealed significant
reductions in stuttering severity and anxiety, along with improvements in the parentchild
relationship. These findings underscore the effectiveness of family-centred,
comprehensive interventions for children who stutter, highlighting the importance of
addressing both speech and emotional needs within the family context.