Description

Stuttering can be described as abnormal fluency rate of speech that is inappropriate for the individual’s age. Individuals who stutter repeat initial syllables and monosyllabic words, pause within words, and avoid problematic words. They may also express words with extra tension or develop secondary characteristics (tics, stomping, fist clenching, etc.). Stuttering may lead to avoidance of and interruption in normal academic, occupational, and social functioning.

Although all cases vary, most stuttering occurs more frequently when the individual is pressured to communicate (giving a speech, ordering a meal, speaking on the telephone, interviewing). Individuals that stutter may go through life avoiding social interactions and experiences, taking them away from basic life routines. Stuttering may also cause anxiety, low self esteem, and frustration.

Symptoms

• sound and syllable repetitions
• sounds prolongations
• interjections
• broken words (e.g., pauses within a word)
• audible or silent blocking (filled or unfilled pauses in speech)
• circumlocutions- (word substitution to avoid problematic words)
• words produced with an excess of physical tension
• monosyllabic whole-word repetitions