Fluency Disorders

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts related to fluency disorders, including definitions, characteristics, treatment approaches, and assessment strategies.

Fluency Disorder

A condition where the ability to produce speech effortlessly is compromised, leading to dysfluencies.

Dysfluency

A disruption in the flow of speech, often characterized by repetitions, prolongations, or blocks.

Overt characteristics

Observable features of a fluency disorder, such as repetition, prolongation, and blocking.

Normal Dysfluencies

Typical speech disruptions that do not indicate a disordered condition.

Stuttering

A higher risk form of dysfluency characterized by syllable repetitions, prolongations, blocks, and secondary behaviors.

Secondary characteristics

Bodily movements and avoidance behaviors that accompany moments of stuttering.

Neurogenic Stuttering

Stuttering caused by damage to the central nervous system, often appearing in adulthood.

Psychogenic Stuttering

Stuttering associated with psychological distress, often showing inconsistencies in dysfluency.

Cluttering

A speech disorder characterized by rapid speech with slurred articulation and poor self-monitoring.

Fluency Shaping

A treatment approach designed to modify all aspects of speech to eliminate stuttering.

Stuttering Modification

A therapy approach that focuses on managing moments of stuttering, rather than eliminating them entirely.

Avoidance Behaviors

Actions taken by individuals to evade situations or words that may trigger stuttering.

Precipitating Factors

Developmental and environmental influences that can worsen stuttering.

Predisposing Factors

Inherent constitutional factors, such as genetics, that make individuals susceptible to stuttering.

Assessment Tools

Methods used to evaluate speech fluency, including speech sampling, questionnaires, and direct testing.

Fluency Behaviors

Speaking patterns that signify fluent speech, such as the absence of dysfluencies.

Speech Easy Device

An electronic device that provides auditory feedback to assist individuals in managing stuttering.

Parent-Directed Therapy

A treatment approach involving parents in the reinforcement of positive speech behaviors in children.

Desensitization Strategies

Methods aimed at reducing negative feelings and fears associated with stuttering.

Fluency Shaping Techniques

Behavior modification techniques intended to improve speech fluency by altering speech patterns.

Cognitive Restructuring

A therapeutic strategy aimed at changing negative thought patterns related to speaking and stuttering.

Both Normal and Disordered Dysfluencies

Distinguishing characteristics between typical speech disruptions and those indicative of a fluency disorder.