Unspoken Volumes: Writing Characters with Communication Challenges

Unspoken Volumes: Writing Characters with Communication Challenges

Jennifer Tillock

Published by Mrs. Speech LLC, 2024.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

UNSPOKEN VOLUMES: WRITING CHARACTERS WITH COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES

First edition. June 28, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Jennifer Tillock.

ISBN: 979-8990615311

Written by Jennifer Tillock.

Welcome to the World of Speech, Language, Hearing and Swallowing Disorders!

Have you ever wondered how to write a character with a stutter or a disability that affects their communication? This guide is your roadmap to creating authentic and inspiring portrayals of individuals navigating speech and language disorders.

Disclaimer

This book is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about a communication disorder, please consult a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or other medical professional.

1

Overview of Unspoken Volumes

Introduction: Weaving the Tapestry of Human Voices

Imagine yourself nestled in a cozy café. Patrons chat in a lively hum of voices, each with its own unique rhythm and melody. A businessman barks orders on his phone, a group of friends shares laughter punctuated by regional slang, and an elderly couple whispers sweet nothings in a language you don’t understand. This vibrant exchange showcases the remarkable tapestry of human communication.

But what happens when the threads of communication fray? As writers, we have the power to craft characters who navigate the complexities of language. To create authentic narratives, it’s crucial to understand the spectrum of communication variations, disorders, and disabilities.

This book delves beyond the stereotypes often associated with communication challenges. We’ll embark on a journey to explore the rich tapestry of human expression, from the subtle variations of accents to the intricate challenges of speech disorders.

Your Storytelling Toolkit:

This book equips you with the tools to navigate this sensitive topic with confidence. Here’s what you’ll gain:

Understanding Communication: Explore the various types of communication variations, disorders, and disabilities, their impact on daily life, and how to portray them with sensitivity.

Crafting Inclusive Narratives: Learn strategies to create characters who are not defined solely by their communication styles or challenges.

Character Development: Delve deeper into the human experience through character questionnaires and empathy-building activities.

Collaboration and Resources: Discover the importance of working with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and conducting research for accurate portrayals.

Moving Beyond Stereotypes:

Challenge yourself to go beyond the dramatic. Communication experiences encompass a vast spectrum, affecting individuals in unique ways. This book encourages you to explore the full tapestry, delving into lesser-known conditions and celebrating the resilience of those navigating communication challenges.

A Journey of Empathy and Empowerment:

By fostering empathy and understanding, we can shed light on communication challenges and dismantle stereotypes. This book empowers you to weave stories that celebrate the beauty and complexities of human connection in all its forms.

Ready to turn the page and embark on this exciting journey? Let’s begin!

2

Introduction to Speech-Language-Hearing-Swallowing

Introduction: The Symphony of Communication - Exploring the Notes that Make Up Our Voices

Imagine yourself nestled in a concert hall. The orchestra warms up, a symphony of instruments tuning their individual notes. As the conductor raises their baton, the instruments meld together, weaving a tapestry of sound that evokes joy, sorrow, and everything in between. Human communication is much like this intricate orchestra. Speech, language, hearing, and swallowing work in harmony to allow us to connect with the world.

But what happens when a single instrument goes out of tune? Speech-Language Hearing Sciences (SLHS) is the field dedicated to understanding, evaluating, and treating the disruptions that can occur within this magnificent symphony. From the melody of spoken words to the rhythm of swallowing, each element of SLHS plays a crucial role in how we express ourselves and interact with others.

This book delves into the four pillars of SLHS, exploring the fascinating intricacies of each. We’ll journey through:

Speech: The conductor, directing the flow of breath and articulation to create clear sounds. We’ll explore how disorders like stuttering, voice problems, and articulation difficulties can disrupt this flow, and the impact they have on an individual’s confidence and ability to communicate.

Language: The lyrical essence, encompassing vocabulary, grammar, and the rules for forming meaning. We’ll delve into the complexities of language disorders like aphasia and specific language impairment, and how they can affect understanding, expression, and social interaction.

Hearing: The foundation of perception, allowing us to interpret the world around us. We’ll explore conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, their causes and severity, and the social and cognitive challenges they can present.

Swallowing: The silent conductor, a complex reflex ensuring food and liquids reach their destination safely. We’ll examine dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) and its potential consequences for health and well-being.

Throughout this exploration, we’ll meet the dedicated professionals who help individuals regain or improve their communication abilities – Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists.

But why is this important for writers?

Understanding the spectrum of communication disorders equips you to create characters who are rich and multifaceted. You’ll learn to portray the challenges they face with sensitivity, while also celebrating their resilience and unique communication methods. The following chapters will delve deeper into each disorder, providing you with the knowledge to craft authentic and nuanced characters who resonate with your readers.

Please note:

The information presented in this book is intended to provide writers with a general understanding of communication disorders. It is not a replacement for a professional evaluation by a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). If you suspect someone may have a communication disorder, please consult with an SLP for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Ready to embark on this exciting exploration of human communication? Let’s turn the page and delve into the world of SLHS!

For more information:

American Speech-Language Hearing Association:https://www.asha.org/public/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Language Disorders:https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/language-disorders.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Communication with People: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/materials/factsheets/fs-communicating-with-people.html

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/

American Speech Language Hearing Association: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/adultsandl/

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/help-is-available-for-speech-and-language-disorders

NIDCD Statistics: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language

General Communication Character Checklist

This checklist is designed to help you develop a character with unique communication needs or styles in a sensitive and authentic way.

Character Background:

Specific Communication Need/Style: What is the reason for your character’s communication differences (accent, dialect, fluency disorder, voice disorder, language disorder, hearing loss, balance disorder, swallowing/feeding difficulty, Sign Language user, AAC user)?

Age of Onset (if applicable): When did the communication difference develop (childhood, adulthood)? Was there a triggering event?

Severity: How severe is the communication difference? Does it mildly disrupt speech or significantly impact communication?

Cause (if known): Is there a known cause for the communication difference (e.g., neurological condition, injury, developmental delay)?

Communication Characteristics:

Speech: Consider aspects like fluency, volume, pitch, quality, and intelligibility (if applicable).

Language: Consider vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, reading, writing, and social language skills (if applicable).

Hearing: Consider degree of hearing loss and use of assistive devices (if applicable).

Balance: Consider frequency of dizziness and impact on daily activities (if applicable).

Swallowing/Feeding: Consider swallowing difficulty, oral motor skills, sensory issues, and nutritional needs (if applicable).

Sign Language/AAC: Consider fluency, type of Sign Language or AAC system, and access methods (if applicable).

Communication Strategies:

Self-Monitoring: Is your character aware of their communication differences? Do they try to control them or avoid certain situations?

Coping Mechanisms: What strategies does your character use to manage their communication challenges? What do they do when communication fails?

Alternative Communication: Does your character use alternative methods (writing, assistive devices, gestures, pictures) to supplement speech or Sign Language/AAC?

Medical Treatment/Therapy (if applicable): Has your character received treatment (speech therapy, occupational therapy, hearing aids, etc.)? If so, how has it impacted them?

Emotional Impact:

Frustration: Does your character experience frustration due to communication limitations?

Isolation: Does the communication difference lead to social isolation or difficulty making friends?

Confidence: How does the communication difference impact your character’s self-confidence and ability to communicate effectively?

Anxiety: Does your character experience anxiety in situations where they might struggle to communicate?

What do they wish others knew about their disorder/difference?

Additional Considerations:

Impact on Daily Life: How does the communication difference affect your character’s education, work, or social interactions?

Support System: Does your character have a supportive family, friends, or educators/colleagues who understand their needs?

Character Development: How does the communication difference shape your character’s personality, coping mechanisms, and social interactions?

Narrative Choices:

Sensory Details: How will you describe the world through your character’s perspective (limited sounds, visual cues for balance, etc.)?

Internal Monologue: Will you use internal monologue to explore your character’s thoughts and anxieties about communication?

Representation: Will you depict Sign Language use visually or describe AAC use? Consider consulting a sensitivity reader if including specific signs or AAC interactions.

Balance: Have you balanced authenticity with the need for clear and engaging storytelling?

Character Development:

Strengths and Struggles: How does your character’s communication difference impact their daily life and interactions with others?

Beyond Communication: What are your character’s strengths and personality traits beyond their communication style?

Avoid Stereotypes: Have you avoided relying solely on the communication difference to define your character?

Choices: Have you given your character choices in treatment and coping strategies?

Remember:

This checklist is a starting point; not all characters with communication differences will experience all of these aspects.

Research the specific communication need/style to ensure an accurate portrayal.

Consider including resources for readers who want to learn more.

Focus on your character’s unique voice, resilience, and communication methods.

3

Speech Sounds

Articulation and Phonological Processes

Definition and Characteristics

The way your characters speak can reveal a lot about them! Here’s how to consider articulation (precise movements of the speech organs to produce sounds) and phonological processes (patterns of sounds) when crafting characters with speech disorders:

Speech Mechanics: Articulation is all about how the tongue, lips, and other parts of the mouth move to make sounds. Imagine your character – do they have trouble forming certain letters like R or S? Perhaps they lisp slightly or have a slight nasal quality to their voice. These details can add a layer of realism to your character.

Sound Patterns: Sometimes, people might have trouble pronouncing certain sounds in a predictable way. This is called a phonological process. For example, a character might leave off the endings of words (saying ca-’ instead of cat) or swap sounds around (dweedle instead of needle). These patterns can be a subtle way to hint at a speech disorder without overwhelming readers.

Please note:

The information presented in this book is intended to provide writers with a general understanding of communication disorders. It is not a replacement for a professional evaluation by a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). If you suspect someone may have a communication disorder, please consult with an SLP for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

The Building Blocks of Speech: Vowels and Consonants

Human speech is a symphony of sounds, meticulously crafted by our vocal tract. Understanding how these sounds are formed, specifically by distinguishing between vowels and consonants, provides the essential foundation for appreciating the complexities of spoken language.

It’s important to remember that the categories and examples provided here focus on English sounds. The fascinating world of languages boasts a vast array of phonemes, with many languages utilizing sounds not found in English. This knowledge becomes even more valuable when exploring speech sound disorders and the fascinating ways communication adapts in unique ways.

This section introduces the two main categories of speech sounds: vowels and consonants.

Vowels: Vowels are produced with a relatively open vocal tract, allowing air to flow freely while the vocal cords vibrate. Their unique qualities depend on the shape of the mouth and tongue position. Think of vowels as the sustained notes in our speech melody - a, e, i, o, u (and their variations like ah, ee, oo).

Consonants: Consonants add articulation and definition to our speech. They can be produced with:

Vocal cord vibration: These are voiced consonants, where the vocal cords vibrate along with the airflow obstruction. Examples include b, d, g, v, z, and l.

No vocal cord vibration: These are voiceless consonants, where the airflow is obstructed without vocal cord vibration. Examples include p, t, k, f, s, and h.

Consonants can further be categorized based on two key aspects:

Manner of Articulation: This describes how the airflow is obstructed.

Stops: Complete closure of the airflow (p, b, t, d, k, g)

Fricatives: Air forced through a narrow opening creating friction (f, v, s, z, th, sh)

Affricates: A combination of stop and fricative (ch, j) - ch is like a t followed by sh, j is like a d followed by zh

Nasals: Airflow escapes through the nose (m, n, ng)

Glides: Short, transitional sounds (w, y)

Liquids: Airflow directed around the sides of the tongue (l, r)

Place of Articulation: This describes where in the vocal tract the obstruction occurs.

Bilabial: Lips together (p, b, m)

Labiodental: Upper lip meets lower teeth (f, v)

Alveolar: Tongue tip touches the gum ridge (t, d, s, z, l)

Interdental: Tongue tip goes between the teeth (th)

Velar: Back of the tongue touches the soft palate (k, g)

Glottal: Vocal cords are involved (h)

By understanding these classifications, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate mechanisms behind speech production. This knowledge becomes even more valuable when exploring speech disorders and the fascinating ways communication can adapt.

Articulation Disorders

Age of Acquisition (Age at time of first signs)

Developmental articulation disorders are difficulties with speech sounds that occur as children are learning to talk. These disorders make it hard for children to say certain sounds correctly, which can affect how well they are understood by others.

Imagine a young character who struggles with L sounds, saying wuv instead of love. This can be a source of frustration for the child, adding another dimension to their personality.

Acquired speech disorders are problems with speaking that develop later in life due to factors like injury, illness, or medical conditions. These disorders can make it difficult for someone to produce sounds or speak clearly, often affecting their ability to communicate effectively.

Perhaps an older character used to speak clearly but now has a stutter or slurred speech. This can be a part of their backstory or a challenge they face in your story.

Types of Articulation Disorders

Delayed Articulation Development:Characters experiencing delayed articulation development may speak in a manner that is younger than their chronological age. This can add complexity to characters, especially in coming-of-age stories or narratives involving characters with developmental differences.

Typical Development and Age Norms: Understanding typical speech development and age norms can help authors create believable characters of different ages. Younger characters may have simpler speech patterns, while older characters may exhibit more mature speech skills.

Search for norms from a reliable source such as the following: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/CYFH/services/Documents/Speech_Development_Chart.pdf

Phonological Processes: Phonological processes are patterns of speech errors that may or may not be commonly observed in the speech development of children. These errors involve simplifications or adjustments made by young children as they learn to produce speech sounds and organize them into words.

Phonological processes reflect the child’s attempt to simplify the complex adult speech patterns they hear around them. Understanding phonological processes can help authors create authentic dialogue for child characters and add depth to their portrayal of speech development in fiction.

Norms: Some processes may be developmental and occur naturally in children as they learn to speak, others are considered atypical. Look for phonological processes norms at a reputable site such as this: https://www.wpspublish.com/types-of-phonological-processes. A few examples are:

Fronting: Characters may substitute sounds produced at the back of the mouth with sounds produced at the front, generally velar sounds with alveolar sounds. A child might say tat instead of cat, dame instead of game

Backing: The opposite of fronting, backing involves substituting sounds produced at the front of the mouth with sounds produced at the back, generally alveolar sounds with velar sounds. A child might say back instead of bat, dad instead of gag

Gliding: Characters may substitute liquid sounds with glide sounds, affecting their speech clarity and adding distinctive qualities to their dialogue. A child might say wock instead of rock or lock

Final/Initial Consonant Deletion: Omission of consonant sounds at the beginning or end of words can give characters a unique speech pattern and contribute to their characterization. A child might say ba or at instead of bat

Stopping: Characters may replace fricative or affricate sounds with stop sounds, altering their speech production and adding complexity to their dialogue. A child might say tat instead of sat, pat instead of fat, dem instead of them

Syllable Deletion: Omission of syllables within words can affect characters’ speech rhythm and cadence, reflecting their linguistic style or background. A child might say nana instead of banana, ocpus instead of octopus

Dysarthria: Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder (affecting the muscles involved in speech production) resulting from damage to the nervous system.

Characterized by slurred or unclear speech, changes in voice quality, and difficulties with articulation, dysarthria can manifest in various degrees of severity. Authors can portray characters with dysarthria with sensitivity, highlighting the challenges they face in navigating communication and social interactions.

Apraxia: Apraxia of speech is a neurological disorder (condition affecting the nervous system) characterized by difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements necessary for speech production.

Characters with apraxia may struggle to produce sounds or sequences of sounds accurately, leading to inconsistent speech errors and frustration. Authors can depict the frustration and perseverance of characters with apraxia as they navigate the complexities of speech production