 | alaska speech-language hearing association |
Meet our 2026 AKSHA Convention Speaker! |
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Course Description Views about stuttering have been changing. Whereas stuttering was one primarily seen as a “speech disorder” that needed to “remediated” in order for speakers to succeed in life, the field has been increasingly moving toward a neurodiversity-affirming perspective that recognizes stuttered speech as the natural result of neurological differences in people who stutter. While welcomed by many people who stutter, this change in perspective does not come without consequences for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The purpose of this 10-hour continuing education workshop is to provide an updated, modern view of theory, assessment, and therapy practices for preschoolers, school-age children, teens, and adults who stutter. The goal is for clinicians to feel more comfortable, confident, and competent in their skills for helping people who stutter across the lifespan. The presentation will include an overview of current views about stuttering, with special consideration given to the role of the SLPs in this “neu” era. Key questions to be answered include, “If stuttering is neurodiversity, is it still a disorder?” “Can I still teach speaking skills?” and “How do I explain all of this to the parents and teachers?” Detailed information will be provided about how to conduct assessments that account for multiple perspectives on stuttered speech (e.g., parents, teachers, clinicians, and, of course, the speaker who stutters), as well as the broader impact of stuttering on a speaker’s life. This information will be used to develop meaningful therapy goals that are focused on reducing adverse impact. The majority of the program will focus on specific therapy procedures and activities that support natural, spontaneous, and authentic communication for students/clients of all ages. This will involve (a) activities that build a strong foundation of age-appropriate knowledge about speaking and stuttering; (b) skills that help speakers handle moments of stuttering comfortably and confidently, with reduced fear, struggle, and avoidance; (c) skills that help speakers speak more easily; (d) strategies for educating others about stuttering and reducing challenging events such as bullying and discrimination; and, (d) ways to focus therapy on minimizing adverse impact and improving speakers’ full participation in life, regardless of whether or how much they stutter. Throughout the workshop, the presenter will provide examples and videos of therapy activities and address questions from participants about their own students and clients. Learning Outcomes At the conclusion of this 10-hour workshop, participants will be able to:
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