The Fluency (SIS) Smart Intervention Strategy application is designed as a tool to be used by speech language pathologists and students when working with school age children who stutter aged eight years to twelve years. It provides a framework for a program which encourages creativity and humour during intervention sessions. The SIS consists of four components and different activities are included.

The Four Components of the ‘Smart Intervention Strategy’ are:

a) Think Smart, Feel Smart

b) Cool Speech

c) Challenge the Dragons

d) Into the ‘Real’ World.

Intervention aims to develop confidence in speaking and permission to stutter, not change the way the child speaks. The goal is to become an efficient, confident communicator. Using creativity and humour, speaking becomes fun and enjoyable.

POSCON Network Member: Joseph Agius, Fluency SIS

What is your / your institution´s interest /objective for being part of POSCON?

As a speech language pathologist working with children with communication disorders I am very much interested in promoting positive content for children. Children with communication disorders can be considered as a vulnerable group and it is essential that these children are protected. It is also my objective to promote positivity through creativity and humour.

What is your / your institution´s interest regarding positive content in general?

When developing online material for children it is very important to consider certain elements. Visuals need to be of high quality and the material needs to be appropriate to the children’s language, cognitive and emotional development. The materials also need to specifically clarify the age range targeted. The online material needs to be user friendly and all information regarding the author and research needs to be available.

What are your wishes regarding positive content and services for children?

It is our duty to protect children from negative online content and services. We need to promote awareness for positive content. POSCON’s initiative is admirable and a team with different expertise and experiences can surely bring about the awareness and promotion regarding safety online.