Speak Their Truth: Crafting Authentic CD Character

Speak Their Truth: Crafting Authentic CD Character

May is National Speech-Language Hearing Month! As a superhero-in-scrubs Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with over 24 years of experience, I've seen my fair share of communication battles. But here's the thing – those battles can be the source of some of the most compelling characters in fiction! The problem? Sometimes, those characters get portrayed as walking punchlines (think Elmer Fudd), which is about as helpful as using a feather duster to fight a dragon. Let's ditch the parodies and embrace authenticity!

Why Representation Matters (Besides Avoiding Lawsuits from My Lawyer)

Millions of people worldwide live with communication disorders (CDs), from the preschooler who struggles to say "robot" without it sounding like "wobbot" (trust me, it's a common battle) to the stroke survivor working hard to regain their voice. Inaccurate portrayals in fiction can perpetuate stereotypes and make people with CDs feel like caricatures instead of complex individuals. Let's write characters who feel real, relatable, and, most importantly, respected.

Crafting Characters Who Speak Their Truth (Without Needing a Speech Therapist)

• Research Like a Bloodhound on Caffeine: Not all CDs are created equal. Delve into the specific disorder you've chosen for your character. Understand the causes, symptoms, and most importantly, the communication strategies people with that CD use to overcome challenges. Think of it as giving your character superpowers (minus the cape)!
• Embrace the Spectrum: CDs exist on a vast and varied landscape. Some characters might have severe issues that keep them from communicating, others it may be a mild annoyance that pops its head up from time to time.
• Focus on the Superpowers, Not the Kryptonite: A communication disorder doesn't define a person. Highlight your character's talents, passions, and the unique ways they communicate. Does your character use sign language to express themself? Do they have a killer sense of humor conveyed entirely through facial expressions? Let their strengths shine!
• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of a boring info dump about a character's CD, demonstrate it through their actions and internal struggles. How does your character navigate conversations? Do they get frustrated when people don't understand them? Show us their journey, not just the destination.
• Sensitivity is Your New BFF: Avoid humor that relies on making fun of communication difficulties. Trust me, it lands about as gracefully as a toddler on a sugar high. Find humor in the character's situation, not their disability.
• Beyond the Stutter: The world of CDs is vast and fascinating! While stuttering is often portrayed in fiction, there are so many other communication difficulties that deserve representation. Explore apraxia of speech, dysarthria, or AAC use (Augmentative and Alternative Communication, including sign language). Give your readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of communication styles!

Free Resource to Make You an SLP Whisperer:

• 
  Free Download: "Character Questionnaire for Authentic Representation" – This handy dandy tool helps you brainstorm and develop your character's CD with depth and respect.

Upcoming Book: Stay tuned for a deep dive into portraying CDs in fiction – Unspoken Volumes:
Writing Characters with Communication Challenges, by Jennifer Tillock, M.S. CCC-SLP, coming soon!

Building a More Inclusive World, One Character at a Time:

By representing CDs with accuracy and empathy, showing them as just another character trait rather than a trope, we can bridge the gap between fiction and reality, fostering understanding and acceptance.

Share Your Story!

Do you have experiences with CDs, either personally or professionally? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's create a conversation that celebrates the power of communication in all its beautiful forms.

Additional Resources:

American Speech-Language Hearing Association

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Communication with People

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Mayo Clinic

NIDCD Statistics

Communicate about Communication!~

Christine Tellach

#communicationdisorders #diversecharacters #writingtips #characterdevelopment #inclusion #representationmatters #NationalSpeechLanguageHearingMonth

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