Specialization

fluency

disorder

What Is Fluency Disorder?

A fluency disorder a.k.a. stuttering or dysfluency is a type of communication disorder that negatively interferes with a person’s flow of speech. Fluency disorders can occur at various ages and for different reasons.

Types of Fluency Disorders

Fluency disorders can be categorized by the repetition of sounds, syllables, words, prolongation of sounds, or interruptions in speech known as “blocks.”

Impact on Communiation

These disruptions can interfere with or prolong the time it takes to effectively communicate, which may result in increased frustration or anxiety.

behaviors

Behaviors Associated with Fluency Disorders

Fluency disorders are often accompanied by the following behaviors:

Eye blinking
Head nodding
Facial grimacing
Facial or neck tension
Physical distress
Increased use of filler words like “um” or “a”
Avoidance: Avoiding certain words, sounds, or situations to lessen the chance of a dysfluent episode.
Level of dysfluency episodes varies based on the situation or level of stress.

differences

Fluency Disorders In Children & Adults

Fluency Disorders in Children

Fluency disorders may also occur in children as they acquire language and begin to express themselves. This is known as developmental dysfluency.

Criteria for Developmental Dysfluency Disorder:

The child is between 2-5 years of age and in a period of rapid language development.
Dysfluencies resolve without intervention. Children often outgrow developmental dysfluency as their language skills improve.
Severity is related to specific factors such as stress, excitement, or fatigue.
Symptoms persist beyond 5 years of age or are accompanied by frustration, concomitant behaviors, or avoidance of speaking.

Fluency Disorders in Adults

Fluency disorders with adult onset can arise from various causes, including:

Neurological: Stroke, brain injury, or neurological disorders affecting the speech and language areas of the brain.
Psychological: Stress, anxiety, or trauma.
Medical: Infections or metabolic disorders.
Substance abuse
Post-surgical effects: Involving the head or neck.

cluttering

Cluttering: A Different Type of Fluency Disorder

Cluttering is a fluency disorder characterized by a rapid and unclear speech pattern. It is different from stuttering, though both affect fluency.

Cluttering Symptoms:

Rapid rate of speech
Omissions (leaving out sounds, syllables, or whole words)
Repetitions (repeating phrases or parts of words)
Disorganized thoughts leading to fragmented speech
Increased use of fillers such as “um” and “uh”
Decreased awareness of their speech pattern, though they may notice communication difficulties
Social anxiety or frustration due to communication challenges
Cluttering symptoms typically become noticeable between 5-10 years of age and can persist into adolescence or adulthood. However, treatment may not be sought until later in life.

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treatment

Evaluation And Treatment

An evaluation by a speech pathologist can help identify the type of disorder and any contributing factors. This assessment allows the pathologist to generate recommendations and construct a treatment plan that outlines the best approach for therapy.

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