Fluency/Stuttering
Fluency
- Fluency is a pattern of vocalizations that is smooth, rhythmic and free from disruptions in the flow of speech. It is a common misconception that "normal" speakers are one hundred percent fluent. We all unintentionally repeat words or phrases, add pauses and fillers, um/uhs, or forget a word during conversation.
- Research indicates that a student's willingness to participate in therapy is a key aspect of successful intervention.
Types of Dysfluencies (not a complete list):
- Part-word repetitions: c-c-c-candy
- Whole-word & phrase repetitions: Give me- give me- give me that ball.
- Prolongations: HHHHHHHHow are you doing?
- Silent Pause/Block: Is that your..........paper?
- Normal Dysfluencies in Children (Adams, 1980)
- Often revise words, utterances
- Typically repeats complete words or phrases
- Begins speech easily
- No tension during speech
- With normal dysfluencies there are no secondary behaviors such as eye blinking, stomping, or extraneous body movements. Normal dysfluencies often occur from 2-4 years of age due to the acquisition of language.
Guidelines for Parents with Children who Stutter
- It is more important that your child speaks and not how he/she says it.
- Praise your child's actions (speech and non speech related).
- Build in opportunities for your child so he/she does not feel embarrassed. If you are embarrassed he/she will be as well; therefore promoting a reduction in his/her willingness to communicate.
- Encourage conversations in all environments (car, table, during play, etc.).
- Promote a time when you talk with your child that is free of interruptions. It's appropriate for all children - those who stutter and those who don't.
- Spend time talking to your child each day.
- Maintain eye contact, but when not possible, assure your child you are listening.
- Promote discussions regarding stories/books/movies.
- Interrupting and completing sentences for your child are behaviors discouraged as it only says to your child that his/her message is not important.
Resources
- Click on the resources below to learn more about fluency.