Children’s Books about Speech Disorders
Books are a wonderful way to teach children about people who communicate in a way that is unfamiliar. They can also help children with a speech disorder feel less alone, knowing that others have gone through the same struggles. Below is a list of children’s books about speech disorders. (If you have more suggestions to add, please leave a comment below!)
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Children’s Books about Speech Disorders:
Stuttering
This award-winning book describes a “bad speech day” for the narrator. His father picks him up from school and relates his talking to his favorite place (the river), including its rapids and its calm spots. This book is a beautifully written, sincere read based on the author’s experiences with stuttering.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech:
This book is about an elementary-aged boy who cannot verbally speak due to CAS. The story describes how he is treated at school and how his mother works with the school to teach the boy and the other students that being different is okay. It also highlights some of the positive outcomes from going through difficult times such as developing persistence, grit, and self-acceptance. This story is based on the author’s real-life experiences.
This story uses simple text to send a message about “listening with your heart, not just your ears” and that “friendship goes beyond words.” It is a great read for classes of younger children because it gives ideas of how to play and interact with a classmate who communicates differently. It also mentions the use of an AAC device.
Selective Mutism
Lola loves to talk until she starts school. Then her words disappear! This story follows Lola as she finds new ways to get her words to come back. This book includes techniques for anxiety management, specifically used for children with selective mutism.
Articulation:
Rodney Rat cannot say his /r/ sound and tends to stay quiet rather than deal with the other rodents making fun of him. When a bully joins the class, it’s Rodney who outwits her and saves the day.
This story is about a pirate who can’t make his /r/ sound. Barnacle Joe teaches him to make the sound (and gives helpful reminders for articulatory placement to the reader). The pirate then travels all around saying, “arrr!” This book is really more for practicing the /r/ sound, but also shows a character who works to correct his sound errors successfully.
Great to Read to Classes That Are New to Inclusion:
This story is about five children who have disabilities or complex medical conditions (not just speech disorders, but one child uses AAC). They love to read, play, tell jokes, and make friends. It teaches that it is okay to ask questions about differences – and about similarities!
RELATED: Using Visuals to Teach WH- Questions
Here is another book about being a friend with a boy who communicates in a unique way.
I hope you find some of these useful. I would love to add to this list – please post in the comments if you have any books to recommend!
Speech Therapy resources you might enjoy:
3 Comments
Tianna Attends The Magical Art Show
Books are an excellent approach to teach children about people who communicate in unusual ways. They can also make youngsters with speech disorders feel less alone by letting them know that they are not alone. Thank you!
Sugarsnap The Valentine's Card Fairy
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Felicia The Book Fairy
I’d go so far as to call this one a “can’t-miss” piece of writing! Great work. I adore it, and the advice is quite helpful.