disfluency

Disfluency refers to interruptions in the smooth flow of speech, including repetitions, prolongations, blocks, interjections, and revisions. Mild disfluencies are common in everyday speech and usually not a cause for concern.

Disfluencies can be categorized as stuttering-like disfluencies (part-word repetitions, prolongations, blocks) and non-stuttering disfluencies (whole-word and multi-syllable repetitions, interjections, revisions, hesitations). Stuttering-like disfluencies tend to be more disruptive and effortful.

Developmental context: Most children show some disfluency during early language development and recover within a few years. A minority develop persistent disfluency, often called developmental stuttering, which can affect rhythm and may lead to avoidance of speaking.

Causes and risk factors: Stuttering and related disfluencies are thought to arise from a combination of genetic predisposition, neurophysiological differences in speech planning and coordination, and linguistic processing demands. Environmental factors can influence fluency, but no single cause accounts for all cases.

Assessment: Speech-language pathologists evaluate fluency from spontaneous speech samples, counting disfluencies, their types and duration, and the impact on communication. Differential diagnosis distinguishes neurogenic, psychogenic, and cluttering-related disturbances.

Management: Many children recover without intervention; when persistent, evidence-based approaches include fluency shaping, stuttering modification, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to reduce avoidance. Therapy may involve parents, teachers, and strategies such as slower speech rate, easy onsets, and supportive communication environments.