Online Learning

Session 1 Monday 26th June 2023, 10.00am-1.30pm NZST

Session 2 Thursday 29th June 2023, 10.00am-1.30pm NZST

This series of two 3.5-hour online training modules focuses on helping speech language therapists understand the principles and objectives of Avoidance Reduction Therapy for stuttering (ARTS®). Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) is a stuttering-affirming approach to therapy that guides stutterers on their individualized journey of acceptance and change.

Single registration cost is for each individual, not per site. Each person must register and attendance is required for both sessions. Zoom will be used to deliver the training with “meeting room” details emailed to participants prior to each module. You will need to download Zoom software to your computer. A webcam and inbuilt microphone on your computer is also preferable so you can fully participate.

Please note that this training will not be recorded for later viewing.

Intended Participants

This online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event is intended for Speech-Language Therapists who work with people who stutter across the lifespan.

Readings and Resources

Pre-readings will be emailed 2 weeks before the training event.

Learning Objectives

Following this event participants will:

• Learn the key principles of Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) and reflect on how ARTS® compares to other treatment approaches

• Meet stutterers and mentors with lived experience of ARTS® and gain an understanding of how change is supported through the therapeutic process

• Develop specific and meaningful goals which are congruent with the culture and values of ARTS®

• Develop individualized assignments and home practice activities that lead to spontaneous, forward-moving communication, free of control.

Content and Format

This two-part course will be an introductory training event on Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering to help clinicians be more stuttering-affirming when working with people who stutter. Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) is a stuttering-affirming approach to therapy that guides stutterers on their individualized journey of acceptance and change. Those who stutter are supported to embrace their difference, resist stigma, and reduce struggle – the learned physical and emotional reactivity to disfluency. Therapy outcomes include improved speech efficiency and comfort, as well as spontaneity, confidence, and joy in communication.

The first part of the course will highlight the theory and concepts in ARTS®. An assessment and therapy overview of ARTS® will be outlined alongside the opportunity for course participants to meet ARTS® mentors and stutterers to ask questions about their therapeutic journeys. The second part of the course will emphasize therapy outcomes and ways to support stutterers to move towards changing speech and increasing acceptance. Ideas and concepts on how to adapt ARTS® when working with young people who stutter will also be discussed on day two.

About Vivian Sisskin, Nic Brow, Samantha Wasilus, and Jessica Wertz

Vivian Sisskin is a Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, an ASHA Fellow, and Board-Certified Specialist in Fluency. She created the YouTube Channel “Open Stutter”, serving as a resource for acceptance and change for stutterers and their allies. Sisskin owns the Sisskin Stuttering Center in the Washington DC area.

Nic Brow is a speech language pathologist at the Sisskin Stuttering Center and a clinical educator at Western Michigan University. He has conducted research on stuttering and presented on acceptance-based therapy for stuttering both nationally and internationally. Nic predominantly works with youth who stutter and their families in ARTS® therapy.

Samantha Wasilus is a speech language pathologist at the Sisskin Stuttering Center and Prince George's County Public Schools. She is a Board-Certified Specialist in Fluency and Fluency Disorders. Samantha works with stutterers of all age groups, both in groups and individually. Her clinical interests include therapy for atypical disfluencies.

Jessica Wertz is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland and an associate at the Sisskin Stuttering Center. Her clinical interests include stuttering and supporting children with complex communication needs. She is a clinical educator for ARTS® groups.