Stuttering vs. Cluttering: Differences and Support Tips
Speech issues are common in children, and most people stumble over words occasionally, even beyond childhood. However, persistent speech “disfluencies” can be the result of a speech disorder.
Two common disfluencies are stuttering and cluttering. Both affect the flow of speech, but they’re different disorders. Understanding them is helpful to people with the conditions, their families and friends.
This article explores stuttering and cluttering, including their key differences and support and treatment tips.
What Is Stuttering?
Stuttering is a neurological condition that disrupts the flow of speech. People who stutter know what they want to say, but they struggle to produce the words. This can manifest in several ways, including:
Repetitions
People who stutter repeat sounds, syllables and words. For example, the word “like” might be spoken as “li-li-li-like.”
Prolongations
Stuttering can include the stretching out of sounds, such as “ssssso.”
Blocks
Blocks are pauses in speech where no sound is made.
Stuttering speech patterns may be accompanied by gestural symptoms, such as facial tics, head nodding, rapid eye blinking, fist tightening and fidgeting or trembling. Researchers don’t fully understand the causes of stuttering, but genetics and neurophysiology are thought to play a significant role. Emotional or psychological stress can both impact stuttering and result from it.
What Is Cluttering?
Cluttering is a less common and less understood disorder affecting fluency. The primary characteristic of cluttering is a rapid or irregular speaking rate. This can make speech sound disorganized and difficult to understand. Someone who clutters might also exhibit the following:
Collapsing Words or Phrases
This speech pattern involves blending and compressing the sounds of words in a way that makes them difficult to understand. For example, a person might pronounce “fortunately” as “ferchly.”
Unusual Pauses
Cluttering may involve pauses in sentences where a listener wouldn’t expect them, so that speech sounds like it’s occurring in spurts.
Frequent Filler Words
This is the overuse of sounds or words like “ah,” “um,” or “you know.”
Mid-Sentence Rephrasing
This speech pattern involves changing how a thought is expressed within a sentence. For example, “I want some… can we get ice cream?”
Like stuttering, cluttering may be linked to genetics, with other neurological and environmental factors potentially playing a role. A key difference between stuttering and cluttering is that a person who clutters may not be aware of their speech difficulties or notice that others have difficulty understanding them.
Support and Treatment for Stuttering and Cluttering
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be stuttering or cluttering, it's essential to seek an evaluation from a qualified speech-language pathologist. An SLP can provide a formal diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan.
Baptist Health SLPs work with patients of all ages to address a wide range of speech and language disorders. We employ a compassionate approach and evidence-based techniques to help individuals enhance their communication skills and overall quality of life.
If you have a family member or friend with a speech fluency disorder, here are some things you can do to support them:
Listen Patiently
Avoid interrupting them or finishing their sentences.
Maintain Eye Contact
Show that you’re actively listening and engaged in the conversation.
Focus on the Content
Respond to what they're saying, not how they're saying it.
Avoid Coaching or Correction
Telling a person who stutters or clutters to “slow down” or “take a breath” can be unhelpful and patronizing.
Learn more about speech and language services at Baptist Health. Call +1 (502) 962-2400 or use our provider directory to find a Baptist Health Speech Pathologist.
Next Steps and Helpful Resources
Learn More About Speech Therapy
Different Types of Lisps and How to Treat Them
Understanding the Role of a Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech Problems After a Stroke
