What are the core behaviors of stuttering according to the characteristics outlined?

The core behaviors of stuttering include repetitions, prolongations, and blocks, which are fundamental characteristics seen in individuals who stutter.

Repetitions involve the repetition of sounds, syllables, or words, making it difficult for the speaker to flow smoothly in their speech. Prolongations refer to stretching out sounds longer than usual, which can disrupt the flow of communication. Lastly, blocks are instances where a speaker is unable to produce a sound or word, often leading to silent pauses.

These three behaviors are widely recognized in the field of speech-language pathology as the primary characteristics that define stuttering. While some of the other choices mention interjections or word retrieval, they do not align with the core behaviors specific to stuttering, which are more directly connected to the disruptions in speech fluency. Therefore, the combination of repetitions, prolongations, and blocks best encapsulates the essence of stuttering as established in clinical practice and research.