stuttering [D, stotteren] , a speech disorder usually characterized by excessive abnormal hesitations, blocks, part-word and whole-word repetitions, and audible or silent prolongation of sounds. The cause of stuttering is unknown; it may be hereditary or may result from developmental processes or neurological impairment. Hesitancy and lack of fluency in speech are typical characteristics of normal speech and language development during the preschool years, when a child’s physical, psychological, and speech and language development do not match the linguistic demands of talking. The child may become conscious of speaking difficulties associated with acquisition, and a fear of speaking may develop. Early prevention and evaluation are recommended. The health care professional may educate parents by making them aware of the normal dysfluent patterns in a child’s speech and by suggesting ways to encourage a child’s speech development. If stuttering persists, parents should be encouraged to seek the advice of a speech-language pathologist. Also called fluency disorder. See also stammering.
