What is the definition of stuttering?

The definition of stuttering is best captured by the description that includes involuntary disruptions in verbal expression, which can manifest as repetitions and blocks. Stuttering is predominantly characterized by interruptions in the flow of speech. These interruptions can involve the repetition of sounds, syllables, or words, as well as blocks—where the person is unable to produce sounds despite the effort to speak. This definition emphasizes the involuntary nature of these disruptions, highlighting that individuals do not choose to stutter; rather, it is a speech disorder that affects their ability to communicate fluently.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of stuttering. For instance, describing stuttering as voluntary repetitions does not account for the involuntary elements that define the condition. Similarly, continuous verbal expression without disruptions contradicts the very essence of what stuttering entails. Lastly, speech therapy techniques, while important in treating stuttering, do not define the condition itself; they are methods of intervention rather than a description of the disorder.