Fluency
Fluency refers to the smoothness, rate and effort in speech production. It is commonly referred to as ‘stuttering’.
Behaviours commonly associated with stuttering include:
- Repeating sounds, syllables and words (e.g. I I I I want help)
- Prolonged sounds (e.g. where is the ssssssssssnake)
- Blocking of sounds (e.g. where a child tries to say a sound and nothing comes out)
- Secondary features, such as eye blinking and head jerks.
People with fluency disorders may experience psychological, emotional, social and functional impacts.
Stuttering typically begins in childhood and seeking out early intervention is highly warranted. The Lidcombe Program is widely considered the ‘gold standard’ for treating stuttering in preschool and early school-aged children. The program is delivered by a parent or caregiver with support from a speech pathologist.
