Stuttering and Fluency
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Stuttering and Fluency
Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by frequent disruptions in the flow of speech. These disruptions, known as disfluencies, can manifest in various ways, including:
- Repetitions: Repeating sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., "b-b-b-book" or "I-I-I want").
- Prolongations: Stretching out sounds or syllables (e.g., "sssssun" for "sun").
- Blocks: Pausing or struggling to get a sound or word out (e.g., a person might pause before saying a word or struggle to begin speaking).
Stuttering can affect the rhythm and fluency of speech, making it difficult for individuals to communicate smoothly. It can occur at any age but often begins in early childhood.
The impact of stuttering varies from person to person. It can affect communication, social interactions, and self-esteem. Early intervention and therapy from a speech-language pathologist can help manage stuttering and improve fluency, confidence, and overall communication effectiveness.
