International Conference on Stuttering (ICOS) 5th Edition 2024
Dr Elaina Kefalianos, Dr Georgie Johnson, and PhD candidate Sarah Horton, all from the Department of Speech Pathology, had the privilege of attending the International Conference on Stuttering, 5th Edition in Rome last month. The hybrid conference, themed “Expectations and needs of people who stutter: how researchers and clinicians answer the call,” was an exciting opportunity for researchers, clinicians, and people who stutter to come together to share their ideas and discuss innovative stuttering treatment approaches.
Dr Elaina Kefalianos, Dr Georgie Johnson, and research collaborator Dr Brenda Carey (from Brenda Carey Speech Pathology), presented findings from Georgie’s PhD study investigating an adaptation of a preschool stuttering treatment for use with school-aged children. Their presentation was a panel discussion aimed to present practical, evidence-based clinical recommendations and resources for clinicians and researchers to use to optimise intervention outcomes for school-age children. This panel discussion was designed to be interactive, and Georgie, Brenda and Elaina had the opportunity to engage with the audience to continue conversations about best supporting the school-age group.
Sarah Horton then presented findings from an observational study investigating variability of stuttering in children and adults, conducted as part of her PhD candidature. Sarah discussed the clinical implications of stuttering variability, including the need to look beyond observable stuttered speech and to also consider the impact of stuttering on the individual.
Conference attendees were hosted at the Park Hotel Villa Grazioli, a 16th century Italian villa located 30 minutes from Rome’s historic centre. Conference organiser Donatella Tomaiuoli and her generous team embodied true Italian hospitality, treating attendees to several immersive, cultural activities after the day’s academic presentations had wrapped up. Some standouts include a historical tour of the villa, local wine and olive oil tasting, nightly four-course meals, and traditional music and dancing. The combination of academic engagement and cultural experience provided a perfect opportunity for strengthening existing research collaborations and fostering new ones.
Our team looks forward to returning for ICOS 6th Edition in 2027!
