Stuttering and Fluency Disorders
Stuttering is a fluency disorder characterized by interruptions in the smooth flow of speech. These interruptions may include repetitions, prolongations, or blocks when speaking.
Types of Stuttering Behaviors
- Sound/syllable repetitions (b-b-b-boy)
- Sound prolongations (sssssnake)
- Blocks or silent pauses when trying to speak
- Circumlocution (avoiding a word because it's difficult)
- Associated physical tension or struggle behaviors
Secondary Behaviors
As children become aware of their stuttering, they may develop secondary behaviors such as eye blinking, head jerking, jaw clenching, or avoiding situations that require speaking.
Developmental Stuttering
Many young children have periods of dysfluency as they develop language. Developmental stuttering often resolves naturally but sometimes persists or worsens and benefits from therapy.
Treatment
Fluency therapy may include: direct speech techniques, fluency shaping strategies, stuttering modification techniques, and addressing associated emotional/social impacts. Treatment depends on age, severity, and impact on the child.