Introduction to Stuttering

Stuttering

A speech disorder characterized by repeated words, prolonged sounds, or interruptions in speech.

Disfluency

Interruptions in the flow of speech, including hesitations and repetitions that are common in everyday communication.

Fluency

The ability to speak easily and smoothly; involves continuity, rate, rhythm, information load, and effort.

Rate of speech

A measurement of how fast one speaks, usually given in syllables per minute (SPM) or words per minute (WPM).

Continuity or smoothness

A dimension of fluency referring to the seamless flow of speech without unnecessary pauses or interruptions.

Rhythmic structure of speech

The pattern of sounds in speech comprising segmental and suprasegmental elements that contribute to fluency.

Information load

The amount of information transmitted in speech, affecting speech rate and fluency depending on syntactic structure.

Effort in speech

The mental and physical energy required to produce fluent speech; fluent speech is perceived as effortless.

Types of disfluencies

Different categories of speech disruptions, including interjections, repetitions, revisions, and prolongations.