From Spark to Celebration: Unveiling "All About Stuttering" and Thanking Our First KU Graduates!

A Double Milestone!

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today, we're celebrating a double milestone! First, we're popping the virtual champagne corks because my debut children's book, "All About Stuttering", has officially been read cover to cover on Kindle Unlimited! A huge thank you to the incredible readers who took the plunge and dove into the world of stuttering with me.

The Need for "All About Stuttering": Filling a Gap in Children's Resources

This achievement feels extra special because "All About Stuttering" was born from a very specific need. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), I worked with several children who stuttered (childhood stuttering or fluency disorder) and couldn't find a resource that fit the bill. Other materials were either "truth or myth" type games or longer, more complex informational sources that would take too long for most elementary kids to review. I wanted to create a concise, informative, and engaging resource for young minds struggling with fluency.

Creating a Clear and Empowering Resource: What Kids Who Stutter Need to Know

Knowing that stuttering can be a complex topic, I set out to create a clear and empowering resource for anyone curious to learn more about stuttering in children. It was difficult to decide what content needed to be included. I focused on what I thought children who stutter needed to know the most:

• They are not alone.
• Stuttering is okay.
• They can't control it.
• Why other people might act the way they do.
• What to say when encountering someone who stutters.

I wanted to empower children, not weigh them down with too much information.

Want to learn more about the evidence-based practices behind "All About Stuttering?" Check out my SLP blog post where I discuss the research supporting the book's content and how it aligns with best practices for childhood stuttering therapy: Fulfilling a Need: My Children's Book "All About Stuttering"

The Perfect Title: "All About Stuttering"

The title itself was easy. I wanted something catchy and clear that captured the book's essence. Since the book is all about stuttering, the title "All About Stuttering" was the perfect fit! This straightforward approach ensures the target audience (children and potentially parents) can easily understand the book's content from the title itself.

Celebrating Readers Who Embrace "All About Stuttering"

Now, the most rewarding part - celebrating YOU, the amazing readers who finished the book! It's truly humbling to see "All About Stuttering" finding its audience. "This was a great introduction for my students to the topic of fluency/stuttering. Thank you! " This review, and the fact that the book is being used in classrooms, warms my heart."

"Write What You Know": The Power of My SLP Experience

As authors, we have so much to give the world! We weave stories, share knowledge, and spark new ideas that can entertain, educate, and even change perspectives. This book, "All About Stuttering," perfectly embodies the spirit of the adage "Write what you know." 

For years, as a speech-language pathologist, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and anxieties faced by children who stutter. There was a lack of accessible resources written in a way that resonated with young minds. "Write what you know" became a powerful motivator. By drawing on my professional experience and channeling it into this children's book, I hope to empower young readers who stutter and provide a starting point for open conversations about fluency.

Looking Ahead: A New Resource for Older Children Who Stutter

Looking ahead, I'm excited to create a similar resource for older children who stutter. I've noticed that many times they are introduced to stuttering facts when they begin therapy in elementary school, but they don't necessarily receive new information as they mature. A future book will address this gap by providing more in-depth information tailored to their needs.

Understanding How Others React: A Common Challenge

One of the challenges children who stutter face is how others might react. Here's an example from the book:

"What Others May Say: They may tell you to do things like "slow down" or "just relax". They are trying to help, but it may make it worse. 

"You can tell them what helps you. Your speech pathologist can help you know what to say. "

As you can see, this excerpt touches on a common experience for children who stutter and highlights a strategy they can use.

This excerpt touches on a common experience for children who stutter and highlights a strategy they can use.

A Heartfelt Thank You: The Power of Short, Impactful Reads

Whether you have a personal connection to stuttering or simply wanted to learn more, I appreciate you taking the time to explore this topic with me. Here's to many more readers, and to the power of short, impactful reads!

Christine Tellach

Woman's Shadow Image by 愚木混株 Cdd20 from Pixabay

Brain Idea Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

Reading All About Stuttering by Canva

Kids reading All about stuttering by CanvaAI