Which of the following statements is true regarding core behaviors of stuttering?

The statement that core behaviors are the primary characteristics of a fluency disorder is accurate because core behaviors refer to the fundamental speech events that characterize stuttering. These behaviors include repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, prolongations of sounds, and blocks that occur during speech. These overt characteristics of stuttering are essential for identifying and diagnosing the disorder, which distinguishes it from other speech issues. Recognizing these core behaviors allows clinicians to understand the nature of a person's stuttering and to tailor interventions effectively.

The other statements do not hold true for core behaviors of stuttering. For instance, core behaviors cannot be easily controlled by the individual, as they often occur involuntarily and can lead to significant anxiety or effort to speak fluently. Additionally, these behaviors are not limited to therapy sessions; they typically manifest in a variety of speaking situations outside of therapeutic contexts. Lastly, while avoidance strategies do play a role in stuttering, they are not considered core behaviors. Instead, they are considered secondary behaviors that develop in response to the challenges of stuttering, causing the individual to avoid certain words or situations that may trigger stuttering.