Stuttering Flashcards

Flashcards about Stuttering

What is stuttering?

A fluency disorder characterized by disruptions in speech, such as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks.

Can stuttering be inherited?

Yes, there is evidence that genetics play a role in stuttering, especially in developmental stuttering. A family history increases the risk.

Does stuttering occur more often in males than females?

Yes, stuttering is more common in males. The male-to-female ratio is approximately 4:1 in persistent cases, but may be closer to 2:1 in early childhood.

What are the primary characteristics of stuttering?

Part-word repetitions (e.g., “b-b-b-ball”), whole-word repetitions (e.g., “I-I-I want that”), prolongations (e.g., “ssssssoup”), blocks (no sound comes out despite effort).

What are the secondary characteristics of stuttering?

Facial tension or grimacing, eye blinking, head movements or foot tapping, avoiding certain words or speaking situations, using filler words.

How do you calculate stuttering percentage from a speech sample?

Count the total number of syllables or words spoken and the number of stuttered syllables or words, then calculate (Stuttered / Total) * 100.

What are some intervention techniques for children who stutter?

Indirect therapy (adjust environment, slow adult speech, reduce pressure) and direct therapy (easy onset, stretchy speech, light articulatory contacts, pausing and phrasing, stuttering modification, fluency shaping).

How should families be included in stuttering intervention for children?

Educate parents, encourage positive speaking interactions, involve them in home practice, and monitor progress with parental feedback.

What is least likely to be effective in differentiating 'normal' disfluency from stuttering?

Counting the total number of disfluencies alone; the type of disfluency, the child’s reaction, and the duration and consistency are more important.

What are the key differences between stuttering and cluttering?

Stuttering involves motor planning disruption and the person is usually aware, while cluttering involves a breakdown in language formulation/timing and the person is often unaware. Stuttering disfluencies include repetitions, blocks and prolongations, while cluttering disfluencies are slurred speech, dropped syllables and word jumbling.