Stuttering and Fluency

Stuttering and stammering refer to the same speech disorder; “stammering” is often used in the UK, while “stuttering” is common in the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia. A similar but distinct condition, cluttering, is often mistaken for stuttering but involves different speech patterns.

Stuttering disrupts the natural flow of speech and can take various forms:

• Prolongations: Stretching sounds, as in “Sssssam went to school.”
• Blocks: Pauses or hesitations, e.g., “I……I need to go.”
• Repetitions of Sounds or Syllables: “C-c-can we go?”
• Word Repetitions: “I, I, I want that.”

Stuttering commonly begins between ages 2 and 4, often coinciding with a child’s early use of sentences. The onset can be gradual or sudden, with some children developing stuttering patterns almost overnight. Initial stuttering symptoms often involve word repetition, such as “I, I, I see it” or “Can, can, can you help?” The severity and presentation of stuttering can vary widely among children.

Stuttering is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The assessment process includes:

• Case History: The SLP gathers information on the individual’s background, including family history of stuttering, onset and duration of symptoms, and any factors that might affect speech (such as stress or anxiety).
• Speech Sample: The SLP records samples of the individual’s speech in various settings to observe types and frequencies of stuttering behaviors. This helps determine if there are specific sounds, words, or situations where stuttering is more likely.
• Observation of Stuttering Characteristics: The SLP analyzes the types of stuttering present—such as repetitions, prolongations, and blocks—as well as any physical behaviors like eye blinking or facial tension.
• Assessment of Impact: The evaluation may include questionnaires or discussions to assess how stuttering affects the individual emotionally and socially, as well as its impact on communication and daily life.

This combination of observation, history, and self-reporting allows the SLP to diagnose stuttering and create an appropriate treatment plan.