What phenomenon occurs when a person who stutters reads the same passage several times and stutters less each time?

Adaptation is the phenomenon where a person who stutters exhibits reduced stuttering over successive readings of the same passage. This occurs because the repeated exposure to the same text allows the individual to become more familiar with the words and the mechanics of speaking them, leading to increased fluency. The initial struggle often diminishes as the individual gains confidence and becomes more comfortable with the passage, resulting in fewer instances of stuttering.

Over time, as the person practices the same text, neural pathways associated with that specific language task may become more efficient, allowing for smoother speech production. This effect is particularly notable in controlled environments, such as during therapy sessions or practice exercises, where the same material is read multiple times.

Other terms, such as desensitization, conditioning, and generalization, refer to different processes that may be relevant in the context of stuttering, but they do not specifically describe the observed phenomenon of reduced stuttering upon repeated readings of the same passage. Desensitization involves a reduction in fear or anxiety related to speaking, conditioning relates to learned responses to stimuli, and generalization refers to applying learned skills or behaviors in different contexts. These concepts are important in understanding speech and fluency, but they are distinct from the adaptation effect