What characterizes a fluency disorder?

A fluency disorder is characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, which can manifest as stuttering, hesitations, repetitions, and prolongations of sounds or syllables. Such disruptions are observed in a person's ability to produce speech smoothly and in a timing pattern that is perceived as typical. This classification encompasses various forms of disfluency that affect speech rhythm and coherence, thereby impacting effective communication.

This understanding highlights the nature of fluency disorders, differentiating them from other speech and language issues such as articulation disorders, which involve the incorrect production of individual sounds, or language disorders, which may involve grammar or comprehension difficulties. The emphasis on fluency provides insight into how these disorders specifically disrupt the speaker's ability to maintain a fluent speech pattern.