Fulfilling a Need: My Children's Book "It's Just the Way I Talk"

A Story of Inspiration

I recently worked with a young boy, who we'll call Alex, who struggled with stuttering. He felt isolated and ashamed, and it was heartbreaking to see his confidence falter. During our therapy sessions, I realized something profound: Alex didn't truly understand what stuttering was. It wasn't just Alex – after talking with several other children who stuttered, I came to a startling conclusion. Not only did they lack a clear understanding of stuttering itself, but they also didn't realize there were other children who shared their experiences. This realization became the seed that blossomed into "It's Just the Way I Talk."

Aligning with Evidence-Based Practices

As a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for many years, I've consistently observed the challenges faced by children who stutter. Existing resources often fell short, either being overly simplistic or complex, failing to address the core needs identified in evidence-based practices (EBPs) for childhood stuttering therapy.

Here's how "It's Just the Way I Talk" aligns with these established practices, recommended by organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD):

• Psychoeducation: The book empowers children with essential information about stuttering, including its normalcy and lack of control. This directly aligns with EBP recommendations for psychoeducation, which helps reduce anxiety in children who stutter. (Ref: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)
• Parent Training: "It's Just the Way I Talk" can be a valuable tool for parents. By understanding stuttering and its causes, parents can provide a supportive environment at home, which is another key aspect of successful stuttering therapy. (Ref: Journal of Fluency Disorders)
• Communication Strategies: The book indirectly introduces communication strategies by encouraging children to tell others what helps them stutter less. This aligns with EBPs that teach children self-advocacy skills and strategies for managing their communication. (Ref: Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools)

Creating a Resource Based on EBPs:

Recognizing this need for EBP-aligned resources, I set out to create a resource that was:

• Concise: Easily digestible information for young minds.
• Informative: Providing foundational knowledge about stuttering, as outlined in EBPs.
• Engaging: Capturing children's attention and making learning about stuttering enjoyable.

Empowering Content:

Knowing the complexities of stuttering, I carefully selected key information that aligns with EBPs and empowers children who stutter. The book focuses on:

• Normalization: They are not alone, and stuttering is okay.
• Lack of Control: Stuttering is not something they can control.
• Understanding Reactions: Why others might react in certain ways.
• Communication Strategies: What to say when encountering someone who wants to help

Celebrating Readers and Impact

The most rewarding aspect is celebrating readers who have embraced the book! Testimonials like "This was a great introduction for my students to fluency/stuttering" and its use in classrooms are incredibly heartwarming. These endorsements solidify the book's value as a resource.

The Power of "Write What You Know":

As SLPs, we possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. "It's Just the Way I Talk" exemplifies the "write what you know" adage. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children who stutter, I translated this expertise into a children's book. My hope is to empower young readers and initiate open conversations about fluency.

Future Resource for Older Children:

Looking ahead, I'm passionate about creating a similar resource for older children who stutter. While initial information is often introduced in elementary school therapy, these children may not receive ongoing education as they mature. A future book will address this gap by providing more in-depth information tailored to the specific needs of older children.

Addressing Reactions from Others:

A common challenge for children who stutter is navigating how others might react. The book offers guidance on this subject, highlighting the fact that well-meaning suggestions such as "slow down" or "just relax" might not be helpful. It empowers children to communicate their needs and seek support from their SLP for appropriate strategies.

Call to Action for SLPs:

"It's Just the Way I Talk" can be a valuable tool for SLPs working with children who stutter. The book can be used in individual therapy sessions, group settings, or even as a recommended resource for parents.

Here are some ideas for how you can integrate "It's Just the Way I Talk" into your therapy sessions: