Practical Thoughts Blog

Aug 03, 2019
Introduction to Strategies Video
In our first vlog entry, we bring you one of our "Practical Videos" from our training series on using speech strategies. Follow us here or on our YouTube channel for more!

May 22, 2019
Is it “developmental stuttering” or “normal disfluency” or “true stuttering” or what?!?!?
The terminology used for describing stuttering has long been a source of confusion for speech-language pathologists and parents alike. In this blog post, Dr. Yaruss argues that we should do away with the old terms and adopt some newer, simpler language for describing stuttering.
Apr 24, 2019
How do I score the Stuttering Severity Instrument? (SSI)
Scoring the Stuttering Severity Instrument can sometimes be confusing...do you count just instances of stuttering or all disfluencies? What "counts" as a moment of stuttering, anyway? Read on to find out!

Apr 01, 2019
Why don't we write goals about fluency? (Round 2)
Nina Reeves stirred up a bit of a storm during a recent professional development workshop, when she said that speech-language pathologists should not write treatment goals for children who stutter that are based on the frequency or severity of stuttering. Read her post to find out why!

Jan 05, 2019
His teacher doesn’t notice, and he doesn’t seem to be bothered!!
We are often asked what to do when a teacher doesn't notice a child's stuttering, or when a child just doesn't seem to be bothered by the stuttering. What are we supposed to do? Nina Reeves offers the guidance that you need to help teachers, students, and parents through these difficult challenges.

Dec 01, 2018
Why don’t we write goals about fluency?
Writing IEP goals presents a unique challenge for clinicians working with children who stutter. In this blog post, Dr. Yaruss argues that we should not be writing goals based on fluency. Click to find out why!

Oct 22, 2018
International Stuttering Awareness Day: Did I miss it?
October 22 is International Stuttering Awareness Day! Don't miss out on this opportunity to provide needed support for your students while you educate others about stuttering.

Aug 28, 2018
Answering SLP SUMMIT Questions
What a wonderful time I had presenting at the 2018 SLP SUMMIT! Thank you for submitting so many questions during and after the presentation...This is the place to find answers!

Aug 03, 2018
What does "homework" for school-age stuttering therapy look like?
People who stutter will make the greatest gains in therapy when they also practice on their own. Knowing how to give useful homework assignments can help you help your students increase their progress and generalize their skills outside of therapy.

Jul 22, 2018
Countering the Top 3 Myths About Stuttering
Yes, you've heard them - the big myths about stuttering. In this post, Nina handles 3 of the biggest, with some practical thoughts about how you can help to set the record straight!

Jun 01, 2018
Is it “stutterer” or “child who stutters?” What about “CWS?”
Person-first language reflects an attempt to not "de-humanize" people living with various differences. But what do we do when some people think that person-first language is just too cumbersome?

May 24, 2018
What should we say to the parent of a young child who has recently started to stutter?
When a young child starts to stutter, it can be a frightening experience for parents. They may call you or email you in distress, and it's important that you know how to respond in a way that reduces their fears and helps them make appropriate decisions about whether or when to seek an evaluation and therapy.