What type of disfluency is considered normal during early language development?

• A. Apraxia
• B. Developmental disfluency
• C. Stuttering
• D. Voice disorder

Answer: (B)

Developmental disfluency is a type of disfluency that is typically observed during early language development in children. This form of disfluency usually manifests as repetitions of words or sounds and pauses that are common as young children learn to navigate the complexities of speaking. During this phase, children are often rapidly acquiring vocabulary and trying to express themselves, which can lead to a temporary breakdown in smooth speech. It is considered a normal part of development and tends to resolve on its own as the child matures and gains more confidence and proficiency in language use.

In contrast, apraxia refers to a motor speech disorder where a child has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements necessary for speech, which is not a typical part of early language development. Stuttering involves more pronounced disruptions in speech and can persist or develop in some children, whereas developmental disfluency is temporary and not indicative of a disorder. Lastly, voice disorders involve issues with pitch, loudness, or quality of voice, which are different from fluency issues and do not pertain directly to the normal developmental phase of language acquisition.