Cluttering: a communication difficulty
What is Cluttering?
The definition of cluttering adopted by the fluency disorders division of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is:
Cluttering is a fluency disorder. It is characterised by:
- a rapid and/or irregular speaking rate
- excessive dysfluencies
- language or phonological errors
- attention deficits
How is cluttering identified?
Evidence for a fluency disorder (that is not stuttering) and excessive dysfluencies, would be present in a speaker who meets all of the following:
- Does not sound “fluent,” that is, does not seem to be clear about what he or she wants to say or how to say it
- Has excessive levels of “normal dysfluencies,” such as interjections and revisions
- Has little or no apparent physical struggle in speaking.
- Has few if any secondary behaviors e.g. a head twitch or knee jerk
- A rapid and/or irregular speaking rate indicated by; Talking “too fast” based on an overall impression, Sounding “jerky”, Has pauses that are too short, too long, or improperly placed
Does cluttering co-exist with any other communication difficulties?
Yes. It frequently co-exists with:
- Stammering
- Language difficulties
- Motor difficulties
What is the difference between stuttering and cluttering?
This is not a comprehensive list but is a good starting point for understanding how cluttering differs from stuttering:
- Cluttering; The message gets stuck
- Stuttering; The word, sound or syllable gets stuck
- Cluttering; Speaker may or may not be aware of their communication difficulty
- Stuttering; Speaker is generally aware of their communication difficulty
- Cluttering; Example of Dysfluency experienced: Phrase repetition: I love, I love you. Revisions: I would like that drink, no please give me some crisps
- Stuttering: Example of Dysfluency experienced:Repetitions of sounds of syllables: y-y-you. Prolongations: sssso; thiiiiis
What are the potential consequences of cluttering?
The impact of cluttering can be broad and include:
- School refusal, truancy
- Reduced higher educational choices
- Exam selection, (eg avoiding subjects with oral components)
- Academic disadvantage
- Reduced career opportunities
- Discrimination within the workplace
If you or your child has a clutter, Integrated Treatment Services can help. If you are concerned that you or a family member may be cluttering please get in touch with us. We will be able to provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your speech and confirm a diagnosis where appropriate. We will then be able to recommend a therapy programme which will aim to maximise your potential to communicate effectively in a range of environments.
Further Information
The American Speech Language Hearing Association
The British Stammering Association
http://www.stammering.org/cluttering.html Ward, D & Scaler Scott, K (2011) CLUTTERING: A handbook of research, intervention and education. Psychology Press.
Ward, D (2006) Stuttering and Cluttering: Frameworks for Understanding and Treatment. Psychology Press.
References
RCSLT, (2005) Communicating Quality 3
Scaler Scott, K (2010)
Stuttering Vs Cluttering (Accessed 1/11/2013)
How can I contact ITS?
Telephone: 0845 838 291. We are happy to provide a complimentary telephone consultation.
Email: info@integratedtreatments.co.uk
Confidential Enquiry Form
Victoria Taylor
1/11/2013
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services.
I.T.S is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire, East Midlands and Southern England. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Psychotherapists
