What are common characteristics of stuttering?

• A. Voluntary speech pauses
• B. Disruptions including repetitions and blocks
• C. Excessive hand gestures during speech
• D. Inconsistent speech volume

Answer: (B)

Stuttering is primarily characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, which can manifest as repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, as well as blocks where a person may get stuck on a word or have difficulty initiating speech. These disruptions are involuntary and occur often, affecting the rhythm and fluency of the speaker's communication. Individuals who stutter may experience physical tension and struggle with speech production, which can lead to frustration and avoidance of speaking situations.

The other characteristics listed, while they may relate to speech and communication, do not define stuttering itself. Voluntary speech pauses, for instance, do not indicate a disorder but are often used effectively in speech for emphasis or style. Excessive hand gestures can accompany any form of speech as a communicative strategy, rather than being indicative of stuttering. Inconsistent speech volume is related to the speaker's emotional state and is not recognized as a defining characteristic of stuttering. Thus, the presence of disruptions such as repetitions and blocks is crucial for identifying stuttering as a speech fluency disorder.