SUPPORT: Supporting caregivers with a mobile app for children who stammer aged under 8 years old
The SUPPORT study is looking at a new mobile app, SuperPenguin, designed to help parents and caregivers of children under 8 years old who stammer. This app, created with parents and speech therapists, offers personalised activities and support to be used alongside standard NHS speech and language therapy. It aims to boost parents' confidence in helping their child communicate and reduce any stress they might feel. While not a cure, the study hopes to see if the app is useful and whether a larger UK-wide trial should be run. Taking part involves completing online questionnaires at different times over about 7 months. It is open to parents of children referred for NHS stammering therapy.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The SUPPORT study is looking into how a new mobile app called SuperPenguin might help families whose children struggle with stammering. Stammering, sometimes called stuttering, is when a child repeats sounds or words, or pauses when trying to speak. This can be worrying for both children and their parents. The SuperPenguin app was created with the help of parents who have children who stammer and expert speech and language therapists.
This app is designed to work alongside the regular speech therapy your child might receive from the NHS. It offers special activities and helpful information that you, as a parent or caregiver, can use. The main aim is to help you feel more confident in supporting your child's communication and hopefully make things a bit less stressful or anxious for you and your child.
This study is an early step to see if the app is helpful and easy to use. The findings will help researchers decide whether to run a bigger study across the UK in the future and how best to do that. It's an important step in finding new ways to support families dealing with stammering.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new app (SuperPenguin) for families with children who stammer.
- Aims to make parents more confident in supporting their child's communication.
- Works alongside current NHS speech and language therapy.
- Mainly involves answering online questionnaires over about 7 months.
- Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for parents or main caregivers of children under 8 years old. For you to take part, your child must have been referred to the NHS for speech and language therapy because they stammer, and a therapist needs to have said they would benefit from this help.
You, as the caregiver, must be 18 years old or older. You also need to be able to complete study questionnaires and communicate in English. The study can't include families where there's more than one child under 8 who stammers and both have been referred for therapy.
There's also a part of the study that involves interviews. If you're invited to this, you and your child (if they're old enough to do a simple speaking activity) must also be able to do interviews in English. Speech therapists taking part in the study may also be interviewed.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child under 8 years old?
- Has your child been referred for NHS speech therapy for stammering, and needs it?
- Are you the main parent/caregiver and over 18?
- Are you able to fill out online questionnaires and communicate in English?
- Does your family have only one child under 8 who stammers and needs therapy?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the SUPPORT study, you'll be asked to answer some questions online at four different times over several months. You'll fill out these online questionnaires before your child's therapy starts, then again when it begins, about two months later, and a final time three months after that. This usually fits in with your normal NHS therapy appointments and won't replace them.
The entire study will last for approximately 7 months from the point you agree to join. You won't need to visit any special clinics, as all questionnaires are completed online. If you are invited to, you might also have an online interview as part of the study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Fieldhead HospitalApproximateWakefield, England
- Kent Community Health NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyAshford, England
- Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyKingston upon Thames, England
- Kent Community Health NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyAshford, England
Common questions
What is the SuperPenguin app?
It's a mobile app designed to help parents support their child's communication if they stammer, alongside NHS therapy.
Who created the SuperPenguin app?
It was created together with parents of children who stammer and expert speech and language therapists.
How long will I be involved in the study?
The study will last for about 7 months from the time you agree to take part.
Do I need to go to a clinic for this study?
No, all questionnaires are completed online, and any interviews would also be online.
Will taking part affect my child's NHS therapy?
No, the study fits around your child's usual NHS therapy and will not affect their care.
How to find out more
Kirsty Brown
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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