Practical Thoughts Blog
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.
May 19, 2018
What if my child doesn't recover?
When a child is stuttering, it is natural for parents to worry about the future. Of all the questions that they might ask, though, one of the most difficult to answer is whether the child will "outgrow" the stuttering... In this blog post, Dr. Yaruss talks about how he responds...
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 09, 2018
Is stuttering neurological?
Is stuttering neurological? Of course it is! In this blog post, Dr. Yaruss explains how we know that and how we can explain research findings in a way that educates others about the true nature of stuttering and supports our goals in therapy.
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 10, 2018
What percentage of stuttering behavior is normal?
For years, researchers and clinicians have debated just how much stuttering behavior a child can exhibit before the behavior is not considered "normal." This blog post seeks to turn that argument on its head.
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 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 01, 2018
Not-So-Famous People Who Stutter
People who stutter can certainly gain inspiration from hearing about famous people who stutter...They might find even more benefit in meeting and actually getting to know not-so-famous people who are living their lives to the fullest regardless of whether or not they stutter!
