What does cluttering involve?

Cluttering involves a speech pattern characterized by an excessive rate of speech that often includes interruptions and repetitions. This condition can manifest as a speaker who talks too quickly, which makes it difficult for listeners to follow along. The speech may be marked by a lack of fluency, where the individual may frequently interject phrases or repeat parts of sentences, consequently impacting the overall clarity and coherence of their communication.

Individuals who clutter may also struggle with organizing their thoughts effectively during speech, leading to a stream-of-consciousness style that can confuse listeners. This is distinct from characteristics of other speech patterns, such as those associated with stuttering or slowed speech, where the primary issues involve fluency or rate without the same level of rapid speech and disruption. Understanding cluttering is important for educators and speech-language pathologists working with individuals who may experience these speech challenges.