My friend, let’s call her Kate, is a shiny new SLP. As we sat in CC’s (a local coffee shop) the other day sipping our coffee, she expressed to me how nervous she was about treating fluency cases. Her speech sessions didn’t seem very productive, since she often saw her students in mixed groups. And she just didn’t feel comfortable or confident when treating these students.
Does this sound familiar? I come across this sentiment a lot among SLPs. More times than naught, I find that fluency therapy is complicated to SLPs for one or all of these 3 reasons:
- They don’t feel their graduate program adequately prepared them.
- They don’t get fluency cases all that often, so they get rusty.
- There aren’t many resources out there that can help.
OK, so fluency can be a little complicated for some. What do we do about it? Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who’ve got it down pat. As for the rest of us, let’s check out a few ideas on how to tackle fluency therapy head on!
1. Research and practice
The best way to get good at something is to practice, right? So be excited when you get those fluency cases! It just means you get to practice a skill you might not be great at…yet! Just make sure you are practicing correctly.
It’s important to do your research. Dive into the ASHA website or subscribe to the Informed SLP. Look at journal articles. Read books. It’s ok to not have all the answers. Just be brave enough to admit it and search them out! 🙂
2. PD for fluency
Investing in some good professional development is always a win. Here are some of my favorite fluency gurus and courses:
- Dr. Scott Yaruss – He’s my one of my absolute faves! Check out some of his online courses!
- Kristin Chmela – In addition to some great products, she puts on a yearly camp for students who stutter called Camp Shout Out! I would LOVE to work the camp someday.
- SpeechTherapyPD has some great courses on fluency. Check them out.
- Marisha from SLPNow hosts a podcast. I was a recent guest and talked about all things fluency! She has a couple of other fluency podcasts as well.
3. Quality resources
Research-based quality resources are a must. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Books from Stuttering Therapy Resources
- Working with School-Age Children Who Stutter by Kristin Chmela
- Focus on Fluency – also by Chmela sold by Super Duper
- Fluency Enhancing Behavior FREEBIE on TPT
- Interactive Fluency Binder for School Age on TPT
- Interactive Fluency Binder for Preschool on TPT
- Fluency Task Cards on TPT
- Fluency Tools Treatment Packet on TPT
- The Ultimate Fluency Packet from SLP Stephen
4. Social media accounts to follow
If you’re on social media at all, there are a few accounts that give great tips for fluency! Here are the ones I like:
- Stuttering therapy resources – YouTube channel
- @SLP.Stephen on instagram
- @stutteringfdn on instagram
- Stutterhacks podcast has great stories from people who stutter
With a little work, I know you can tackle fluency cases like a boss. If you want some fun fluency freebies, to grab some fluency worksheets and a fluency journal from my resource library. 🙂
What questions do you have? Comment below or DM me on Instagram and let’s chat!
Thank you, Thank you for this! SO timely! I haven’t had a fluency case for years and I am starting with 3 this year! I was ready to just go a-searching but you’ve given me a place to start! Again, Thank You!