During which stage of stuttering might avoidance behaviors become prevalent?

Avoidance behaviors typically become prevalent during the advanced stage of stuttering. At this point in development, individuals often have a heightened awareness of their speech and the reactions of others, which can lead to attempts to avoid words, situations, or interactions that may trigger stuttering. This stage is characterized by more complex feelings about their stuttering, including embarrassment and anxiety, which drives the tendency to avoid situations where they anticipate difficulty.

Additionally, in the advanced stage, individuals may have already experienced negative reactions from peers and adults, leading to a cycle of avoidance as they attempt to prevent feelings of shame or frustration associated with their stuttering. This contrasts with earlier stages, where stuttering may be less embedded in the individual's self-concept, and avoidance behaviors are not as developed.