What is stuttering?

Stuttering is primarily defined as a speech fluency disorder, and it is characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, which include repetitions of sounds or syllables, prolonged sounds, and involuntary pauses or hesitations. These disruptions can significantly affect communication, often leading to increased tension and anxiety about speaking.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of communication or language issues. A cognitive communication disorder involves difficulties with communication stemming from cognitive processes, such as attention and executive functions. A language development delay refers to a slower than typical progression in language acquisition, which does not necessarily involve the fluency issues seen in stuttering. A phonological disorder pertains to problems with understanding or producing sounds in a language, which is distinct from the fluency disruptions that define stuttering. This further highlights why the definition centered around repetitions and hesitations accurately captures the essence of stuttering as a speech fluency disorder.