Understanding Stuttering and Disfluency

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Questions and Answers

What best describes neurogenic stuttering?

It is often accompanied by severe anxiety.

It is primarily linked to psychological trauma.

It is caused by neurological disease or damage. (correct)

It has a gradual onset in childhood.

What is a common trigger for psychogenic stuttering?

Genetic predisposition to stuttering.

Developmental speech delays during childhood.

A sudden emotional trauma or psychological stress. (correct)

Traumatic brain injury.

Which of the following is NOT typically associated with neurogenic stuttering?

Minimal fear or anxiety related to stuttering.

Additional signs of dysarthria.

Secondary behaviors like avoidance. (correct)

Sudden onset in adulthood.

What distinguishes pharmacogenic stuttering?

It occurs because of drug-induced effects. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is often explored during the assessment of neurogenic stuttering?

Client's case history. Signup and view all the answers

How does psychogenic stuttering typically onset?

Suddenly after a traumatic event. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of understanding stuttering for children and adults?

The impact of stuttering on an individual’s life Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of stuttering caused by neurogenic conditions?

Associated difficulties with finding words. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best distinguishes stuttering from typical disfluencies in children?

Duration of speech interruptions Signup and view all the answers

Which term specifically refers to stuttering that arises from drug influences?

Pharmacogenic. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the causes of a child's stuttering?

It is often caused by early exposure to preschool Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of cluttering?

A high frequency of typical disfluencies Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fluency disorders, what does the term 'neurogenic' refer to?

Fluency issues related to brain function or injury Signup and view all the answers

What is the prevalence of cluttering estimated to be?

Approximately 1% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would not be classified as a risk factor for persistent stuttering in children?

High intelligence levels Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about stuttering is likely incorrect?

All children who stutter will face lifelong challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom of stuttering as defined in the content?

Sensation of being stuck Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following emotions can be a reaction to stuttering?

Embarrassment Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a typical disfluency that is NOT considered stuttering?

Interjections like 'um' or 'uh' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a behavioral factor associated with stuttering?

Alternate word choices Signup and view all the answers

How do cognitive reactions to stuttering often manifest?

Loss of control anticipation Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a possible cause of stuttering according to the content?

Variable origins and individual reactions Signup and view all the answers

What impact does stuttering have on self-identity and self-esteem?

It may lead to feelings of hopelessness. Signup and view all the answers

How is medication related to individuals who stutter, according to the content?

Very few reports document its effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What type of disfluency involves repeating whole words multiple times?

Multi-syllabic whole word repetitions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a coping mechanism for stuttering?

Avoidance of speaking Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of stuttering?

Activity limitations Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tension/struggle' refer to in the context of stuttering?

Physical tension and bodily movements Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'impairment in body structure and function' in stuttering refers to differences in which of the following?

Motoric, linguistic, and emotional processes Signup and view all the answers

What kind of difficulties in language formulation can be associated with stuttering?

Word finding difficulties Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a stuttering behavior?

Repetitions of sounds or words Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of stuttering is characterized by 'silent or audible blocks'?

Blocking Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the identified risk factors for persistent stuttering in children?

Family history of persistent stuttering Signup and view all the answers

Which gender is statistically more likely to experience persistent stuttering?

Boys Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factor can impact a child's stuttering issues?

Family communication style Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding speech and language skills is correct in relation to stuttering risk?

Children with below-normal speech and phonological skills are at higher risk Signup and view all the answers

What trait in a child may increase their vulnerability to stuttering?

Sensitive temperament Signup and view all the answers

What external life event can contribute to the onset or continuation of stuttering?

Changing schools Signup and view all the answers

What common expectation can exacerbate a child's stuttering difficulties?

High parental expectations Signup and view all the answers

What is the male-to-female ratio for persistent stuttering in teenagers and adults?

4:1 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech.
Disfluency refers to any disruption in speech flow.
Common terms for stuttering include stammering, disfluency, childhood onset fluency disorder (DSM V), and developmental stuttering.

Types of Disfluency

Developmental stuttering: This is the most common type of stuttering. It typically begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood if untreated.
Acquired stuttering: This type of stuttering can develop at any age and is often caused by a neurological event, such as a stroke or brain injury.
Cluttering: This is a speech disorder characterized by rapid, irregular speech with frequent errors in word structure and abnormal pausing. Cluttering is estimated to affect approximately 1% of the population.
Neurogenic stuttering: Stuttering associated with neurological impairment, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or neurodegenerative disease. Onset is typically sudden in adulthood and may be accompanied by aphasia, dysarthria, and word-finding difficulties.
Psychogenic/Functional Stuttering: Disfluency that is associated with psychological distress and emotional trauma. Onset is often sudden, linked to a specific event or history of stress, and typically occurs after a prolonged period of stress or traumatic event. Core behaviours are similar to developmental stuttering.
Pharmacogenic stuttering: Stuttering induced by medication, such as antiepileptics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. It is rarely reported, and most cases are found in single case studies

Nature of Stuttering

Stuttering is a multifaceted disorder with no single theory to explain its origin or experience. There is no cure, but therapy can facilitate change.
Stuttering is characterized by:
- Impairment in body structure and function, specifically motoric, linguistic, and emotional processes.
- A sensation of being stuck, loss of control, or inability to continue speaking.

Factors Affecting Stuttering

Behavioral Factors:
- Speech Disfluencies: These include repetitions (e.g. "Where-where-where-where is my p-p-pencil gone?"), prolongations (e.g. "The w:ind is s:trong today"), and blocking (e.g. "(M)y head is thumping).
- Tension/Struggle: Physical tension, struggle, and bodily movements during speech.
- Avoidance: Choosing not to speak, avoiding certain situations, or substituting feared sounds or words.
Affective/Emotional Reactions: Reactions to the sensation of being stuck or losing control, including shame, guilt, worry, anxiety, embarrassment, emotional pain, hopelessness, emotional exhaustion, and fear.
Cognitive Reactions: Reactions to the sensation of being stuck or loss of control, impact on self-identity and self-esteem, and anticipation of stuttering.

Typical Disfluencies

These are considered normal speech disfluencies:
- Interjections (e.g. "...am...um...eh...")
- Phrase repetitions (e.g. "Mammy, David took my-took my-took my DS")
- Multi-syllabic whole word repetitions (e.g. "because-because", "walking-walking")
- Phrase revisions/abandoned utterances (e.g. "The DS with the blue-with the pink Pokémon is mine")

Risk Factors for Persistent Stuttering

Factors within the child:
- Family history of persistent stuttering.
- Gender (males are more likely to stutter).
- Speech and language skills, particularly if below normal or if there is a disparity between vocabulary and syntax.
- Sensitivity/temperament, particularly if inhibited or sensitive.
Factors within the environment:
- Other's reactions, such as impatience or criticism.
- Family communication style, particularly if complex.
- Family expectations, especially if high for academic, athletic, social, or verbal performance.
- Life events, which can precipitate or perpetuate stuttering.

Clinical Implications & Importance of Assessment

It is crucial to distinguish between typical disfluencies and persistent stuttering.
Language formulation difficulties, such as word-finding problems, can also be present in some cases.
A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the cause and severity of stuttering.

Additional Information

Patrick Campbell, an individual who stutters, provides insights into the experience of stuttering in the video mentioned in the text.
The concept of intersectionality, particularly the intersection of disability and race, is highlighted in the context of stuttering.

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Description

Explore the types and characteristics of stuttering and disfluency disorders in this quiz. Learn about developmental stuttering, acquired stuttering, cluttering, and neurogenic stuttering. Enhance your understanding of speech disorders and their impact on communication.