What is typically observed with disfluencies indicating a stutter in children?

Disfluencies indicative of a stutter in children typically manifest through a variety of types, including repetitions, prolongations, and blocks. Repetitions can take the form of sounds, syllables, or even whole words being repeated multiple times. Prolongations involve extending sounds in a word, while blocks occur when a person is unable to produce sounds or words for an extended period. This variety in disfluency types is a hallmark of stuttering and helps differentiate it from other speech issues. The complexity of these disfluencies highlights the challenges faced by children who stutter, as they may also experience frustration and anxiety when speaking, making it essential for assessment and intervention to recognize and address these characteristics.