What does a fluency disorder primarily involve?

A fluency disorder primarily involves disruptions in the flow of speech that can manifest as interruptions in the rhythm or steady flow of spoken language. This may include physical tension and struggle behaviors during speech. Individuals with fluency disorders often experience moments where their speech is interrupted by repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. The physical tension can accompany these interruptions, as the speaker may exert effort to communicate despite the difficulties they are experiencing.

The selection of this answer aligns with the definition of fluency disorders, such as stuttering. In contrast to the characteristics of other options, excessive repetition of sounds or words is a specific feature of stuttering but does not encompass the broader concept of fluency deficits that include tension and varied interruptions. Mispronunciations and rapid speech are more indicative of other speech and language disorders rather than fluency issues. Correct use of all linguistic structures relates to the grammatical correctness of speech rather than its fluency. Thus, the focus on physical tension and interruptions makes the correct answer a clear representation of what fluency disorders entail.