Stuttering refers to disturbance in the fluency and time patterning of speech, such as sound and syllable repetitions or prolongations
Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder in which a person has difficulty speaking fluently. It is characterized by interruptions in the normal flow of speech, such as repetitions of sounds or words, prolongations of sounds, or pauses in speech. Stuttering can range in severity from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person's ability to communicate effectively.
Some examples of stuttering behaviors include:
- Repetitions: Repeating sounds, syllables, words, or phrases, such as "I-I-I-I can't do it."
- Prolongations: Holding onto sounds or syllables for too long, such as "Ssssssssorry."
- Blocks: Pausing or getting stuck on a sound or word, with no sound coming out, such as "I want to say 'hello,' but nothing comes out."
Stuttering can also be accompanied by physical behaviors, such as eye blinks, head movements, or facial tension, as well as negative emotions such as anxiety or frustration. The exact causes of stuttering are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.