Practical Thoughts Blog
May 11, 2018
Do we treat speech sounds or stuttering first?
Some children who stutter do more than just stutter! In fact, many also exhibit speech sound disorders, as well. What should we do when that happens?!?
May 07, 2018
Why no "continuous phonation?"
Continuous phonation is often recommended as a strategy for helping people increase their fluency, but we don't use it! Nina Reeves explains why.
May 07, 2018
What if a school-age child is not aware of stuttering?
For years, clinicians have been afraid to "draw attention" to stuttering for fear that they might "create awareness" that the child stutters. But what if we need to create that awareness so that the child can address his communication difficulties?
May 05, 2018
Even More Thoughts about Secondary Characteristics...
Secondary characteristics, such as eye blinks or head movements, are a highly visible aspect of the stuttering behavior. We often need to address them in therapy, but how to do that isn't as obvious as it seems...
Apr 15, 2018
Child is stuttering? Try this one weird trick!
When clinicians learn that a young child is stuttering, there first reaction should not be to automatically recommend some name-branded therapy program. To do so is to ignore the tenets of evidence-based practice. Instead, try this...
Mar 17, 2018
“I want to dismiss him, but the parents are worried!”
What do we do when the child is ready for dismissal, but the parents aren't? In this blog post, Dr. Yaruss explains how we can help parents recognize the important gains that their children have made in therapy.
Mar 05, 2018
How young is too young for stuttering treatment?
When a young child starts to stutter, it is important for parents and clinicians to take appropriate action at the right time. But what if the child is still very young? This blog post addresses the age-old question of "how old" a child needs to be before we can start treatment.
Feb 27, 2018
Generalization is a challenge!
Generalization is one of the most difficult parts of stuttering therapy for clinicians and clients alike. We can support our clients' success when we come to understand why generalization is so hard.
Feb 24, 2018
Timed Oral Reading Tests for Children Who Stutter?
This one is simple...No! Timed reading tests are not designed for children who stutter.
Feb 20, 2018
Addressing Secondary Characteristics
Children who stutter often exhibit physical behaviors when they stutter. The key to addressing them is understanding the reasons those "secondary characteristics" develop, rather than focusing on the observable behaviors themselves.
Feb 15, 2018
Support Resources for People Who Stutter, Their Families, and Their SLPs
We are fortunate to have several organizations dedicated to help people who stutter and their families. Here are links to self-help/support organizations in the United States.
Feb 03, 2018
When do we recommend therapy for teens?
Many teens who stutter can benefit from treatment, but it's important that this treatment comes at the right time. Understanding the relationships between "pain of change" and the "pain of staying the same" can help speech-language pathologists know when and how to help teens who stutter.
