What is an example of a communication disorder characterized by involuntary repetitions or prolongations of sounds?

• A. Developmental disfluency
• B. Stuttering
• C. Apraxia
• D. Vocal abuse effects

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is stuttering, which is characterized by involuntary repetitions, prolongations of sounds, or disruptions in the flow of speech. Individuals who stutter may struggle with specific sounds or syllables, leading to interruptions in their ability to communicate fluently. Stuttering can manifest in various ways, including blocks, where a person is unable to produce sound, leading to noticeable pauses in speech.

In contrast, developmental disfluency refers to typical speech disfluencies observed in young children during their language development, often resolving as they grow older. Apraxia is a motor speech disorder that affects the ability to plan and coordinate the movements required for speech, not characterized by repetitions or prolongations of sounds. Vocal abuse effects involve damage or strain to the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness or other vocal issues, which do not fall under the definition of involuntary repetitions or prolongations. Thus, stuttering is the most accurate representation of the described communication disorder.