1. IS THIS STUTTERING? Disfluency and Co-existing Learning, Intellectual & Medical Challenges
Vivian Sisskin, M.S., CCC-SLP, BRS-FD
Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor
University of Maryland, College Park
Annual Convention National Stuttering Association 2009
Scottsdale, AZ

2. Stuttering-Like Disfluency
Disfluency Types
Stuttering-Like Disfluency
Part-Word Repetition
Whole Word Repetition
Prolongation
Silent Block
Other Disfluency
Interjection
(filler)
Revision
Phrase Repetition
Multisyllabic
Word Repetition

3. Disfluency/Stuttering in Early Childhood
Persistent
Developmental
Stuttering
Language- Based Disfluency
Atypical Disfluency

4. Persistence & Recovery in Early Stuttering
Time since
onset
Family
history
Gender
SLD’s over
1 year
post-onset
Age of
onset

5. Concomitance vs. Co-existence
Related to the disorder
Concomitant Disfluency
In addition to the disorder
Co-Existing Stuttering

6. Concomitant Disfluency or Coexisting Stuttering?
Language Disorder
Disorder of comprehension and production
Vocabulary
Grammar
Word finding
Sentence formulation
More disfluency (including SLD) than peers.
Cluttering
Fluency disorder defined by a collection of symptoms
Rate
Disfluency
Pauses
Articulation
Other disfluencies (not SLD)
Developmental
Apraxia
Of Speech
Motor speech planning disorder
Inconsistent errors
Groping for postures
Initiation of sounds
Poor sequencing
Oral-motor difficulties
Symptoms include SLD’s (repetitions and prolongations)
Autism Spectrum
Disorders
Developmental Disorder
Social Interaction
Communication
Restricted, repetitive behavior, interests, activities
Case studies:
Other disfluencies, SLD’s, atypical disfluencies

7. Considerations for Treatment
Priorities for Improved Communication
What Matters to the Individual
Adjusting Session Design
Developing Individualized Teaching Strategies

8. For a list of readings and resources:
A special “thank you” to the children, adults, and families who agreed to have their video clip shown for educational purposes.
For a list of readings and resources: