Practical Thoughts Blog
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!
Sep 26, 2018
Students who stutter: How can teachers help?
Teachers can make a real difference in the lives of their students who stutter, though they are often uncertain about what to do to help. Fortunately, we have resources to guide them in supporting their students both in and out of the classroom.
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 05, 2018
Connect ALL of your clients who stutter with self-help/support groups!
Self-help and support organizations can make a real difference in the lives of people who stutter and their families!
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.
