Blocks

Overview:

Blocks are involuntary pauses or stoppages in speech where airflow or voicing is momentarily halted, often with visible struggle. These dysfluencies are common in moderate to severe stuttering and can be emotionally distressing. SLPs identify blocks through speech sampling and observe both the physical and linguistic contexts in which they occur. Intervention may include stuttering modification techniques and desensitization strategies to reduce physical tension and anxiety. Successfully managing blocks improves fluency and enhances confidence in communication.

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Sources:

Manning, W. H., and DiLollo, A. Clinical Decision Making in Fluency Disorders. 4th ed. Plural Publishing, (2017).

Yairi, E., and Seery, C. H. Stuttering: Foundations and Clinical Applications. 3rd ed. Pearson, (2021).