Happy International Stuttering Awareness Day!

Happy International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD)! I wanted to share this brief article written by Dr. Heather Grossman, executive director of the American Institute for Stuttering. It's a 3-minute read but very thought-provoking: https://districtadministration.com/why-stuttering-should-be-seen-as-neurodiversity/
Here are some resources for teachers and families:
Kids Who Stutter Support Teachers - this short video provides information and insight about students who stutter in the classroom and ways teachers can best support them. I've also attached a handout about fostering a positive and healthy communicative environment in the classroom for children who stutter, though these practices are generally good for many children with different communication styles and abilities.
Nurturing and Empowering Your Child Who Stutters - this short caregiver video covers five focus areas that support parents of children who stutter to set up their children for communication success. I've also attached a helpful handout that goes along with the video.
Nurturing and Empowering Your Child Who Stutters: A Parent's Perspective - this short video walks through a parent's journey with their child who stutters. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to move from fear to empowerment as a caregiver, this one's for you.
Quick facts that are helpful to know about stuttering:

• Stuttering is a neurophysiological condition with strong genetic factors. This means that stuttering often runs in families, and people who stutter show different anatomy and activity in brain regions that coordinate movements for speech.
• Many children go through a period of stuttering. It resolves in about 80% of children, however, in approx. 20% of cases, stuttering continues into adulthood.
• When stuttering persists for longer than 2-3 years, it is generally a part of the child's biological make-up, and no one is at fault. There is no cure for stuttering, but there are many ways we can help children be effective communicators even if they stutter.
• Stuttering is highly variable. Children may stutter more on some days and in some situations, but less on other days and situations. This variability can be confusing and make it harder for children to know how to handle speaking difficulties.
• The goal of speech therapy for children who stutter is to help them speak confidently and freely, with or without stuttering present. We may work on visible things like moving through physical tension when speaking (if there's struggle behavior) or maintaining a forward flow of speech that feels easier for the child. Or we may work on less visible things like approaching speaking situations without fear and with greater ease and confidence, learning to talk about stuttering without shame, or advocating for one's communication needs.

Have a great day, and happy ISAD! :)

If you have any questions concerns or comments please contact the wonderful and amazing

Ana Paula G. Mumy, SLPD, CCC-SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist, Hallsville ISD 903-668-5990 ext. 2594