Practical Thoughts Blog

May 18, 2021

CLUTTERING: Clarifying a Real Communication Disorder (Guest Blog)

Cluttering is a real communication disorder that has been confusing for many due to broad and sometimes conflicting definitions. Experts have been working to decrease this confusion by narrowing the definition to the symptoms of cluttering that all experts agree upon. This is known as the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD) definition of cluttering. This definition can be used as a straightforward tool for identifying, diagnosing...

Stuttering Therapy Resources Blog Image Secondary Characteristics

Apr 05, 2021

How do I work on secondary characteristics in therapy?

Secondary characteristics may be a highly visible aspect of stuttering, but working on them directly is rarely the correct path for therapy. To find out why, read this blog post from Dr. Yaruss.

Feb 04, 2021

It's (almost) NEVER breathing in stuttering therapy!

Ready for another rant? This one is about all of the breathing exercises that well-meaning family members (and clinicians) put people who stutter through. The bottom line? 99.99% off the time, people who stutter do not need to change the way they breathe!

Nov 15, 2020

Is stuttering increasing during the pandemic?

Many speech-language pathologists have reported an increase in referrals for stuttering since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many people who stutter have also reported that they are experiencing an increase in the frequency and severity of stuttering since the spring of 2020. What's really going on? Is COVID causing more stuttering? Read on to find out!

Oct 29, 2020

How to be a stuttering therapist (Advice from a person who stutters)

Patrick Campbell, co-editor of Stammering Pride and Prejudice: Different not Defect shares his views about what speech-language pathologists can do to become better stuttering therapists. Drawing on his own experiences, Patrick highlights the good and the bad of therapy and encourages clinicians to be open to various options and keep learning!

Oct 19, 2020

Guest Blog: Stuttering is easier when we have a reason to stutter.

This guest blog post by Christopher Constantino, PhD, CCC-SLP, describes the motivation behind Stammering Pride and Prejudice: Different not Defect, a remarkable book that present stuttering in a new light. If you are a person who stutters or a family member, or if you work with people who stutter, this is an absolute must read!

Oct 09, 2020

Stuttering and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:  My Personal Story

GUEST BLOG: Angelica Bernabé shares her remarkable story of being a person who stutters who is also diagnosed with ADHD. Her story is an inspiration and should not be missed! Thank you, Angelica for your vulnerability and support for those who stutter.

Oct 04, 2020

Can I use the OASES via telepractice? (Yes!)

Many clinicians have questions about whether they can use the OASES (Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering) remotely via telepractice. The short answer is yes! The longer answer is that there are a few options that you can consider, including our *clinical license* for online administration.

Sep 28, 2020

What materials or programs should I use for an adolescent or adult who stutters?

The majority of clinical materials available for helping people who stutter are focused on young children and school-age children. What should we do with adolescents and adults? Read on to find out.

Stuttering Therapy Resources Blog Post Image Three Million People Who Stutter

Aug 17, 2020

Stuttering is NOT a low-incidence disorder!

Stuttering is often called a "low-incident" disorder, but the truth is, it's not, and speech-language pathologists are doing a significant disservice to their clients (and themselves) by perpetuating this myth.

Aug 07, 2020

I read that ABC technique gives X% improvement (!!!) with only Y minutes of practice per day!!!

Professor J. Scott Yaruss "goes off" on the idea that there are simple ways to overcome stuttering by just using a particular technique or practicing for a particular amount of time. Fasten your seatbelt, stand back or settle in, and get ready for a data-driven, evidence-based, rip-roaring rant!