What is cluttering?

Cluttering is speech that sounds either overly rapid or sounds irregular in its speed. Should you be regarded by others as speaking quickly, then you may present with cluttering.

However, in order to meet the criteria for having cluttered speech, your speech will also need to include one or more of the following features:

- frequent disfluencies such repetitions of words/phrases, the use of fillers words such as ‘um’ or ‘uh’ or the use of revisions (where you change what you are going to say mid-sentence). Whilst these features occur in the speech of all speakers, the speech of those who clutter show them a lot more frequently.

- the number of syllables in longer words are deleted or blended together (e.g. so a word like ‘computer’ may sound like “comter”)

- pauses in places that are different to what you would expect or the use of less pausing than you would expect which affects a person’s overall speech rhythm. This can result in your speech being described as “jerky” or “spurty”.

These features combined impact upon a speaker’s overall clarity. Often, those who clutter are told by others that they mumble and are often asked to repeat what they have said. They may also come across as having difficulties planning and organising what they are trying to say.

So a fast rate of speech alone does not give us the diagnosis of cluttering - there are many fast speakers that have no problems with people understanding them. The main difference is that those who clutter are regarded as speaking faster than their system can handle and this results in their speech becoming unclear due to the combined features described above.

We often work with adults that have been unaware of any difficulties in their teenage years, but now they find that their speech is impacting upon them within work or in social environments. Managers may reports concern that their clarity of speech is impacting on their performance, presentation or leadership skills at work.

What causes cluttering in speech?

There are many theories of the causes of cluttering. It is considered to be hereditary (others in your family may present with similar speech) and to do with differences in brain function. It is sometimes associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autistic Spectrum Disorder, however not everyone who clutters has any co-occurring conditions.

What does therapy for cluttering involve?

The focus of therapy will vary from client to client and will depend on what aspects of your talking are impacting on your ability to communicate effectively. During therapy, you will become more skilled at monitoring your own speech and identifying what is affecting your overall clarity. For some, we may focus on reducing their rate of speech and developing their use of pausing. For others we may need to practice saying longer words and ensuring that all the syllables in the word are fully articulated. We may also focus on using appropriate word & syllable rhythms.

As you may be experiencing concerns with being misunderstood in various situations or you may have developed a fear of speaking, we may focus on helping you manage your emotions associated with your speech. Our main aim is to improve your confidence to communicate effectively in a variety of situations.

What is the difference between stuttering and cluttering?

Stuttering and cluttering often co-occur together in a person’s speech. However, the features of stuttering tend to be repetitions of sounds/syllables and single syllable words, prolongations and blocking of a sound in speech. Cluttering is rapid speech, that is often described as ‘jerky’ with unusual pauses and rhythm which affects a person’s overall clarity.

Can cluttering be cured?

While there is no cure for cluttering, Speech and Language Therapy can be effective in reducing the impact that cluttering is having on your day to day life. You can develop your confidence to communicate, learn strategies to make your talking easier and clearer, and to reduce the negative thoughts and feelings you have about your speech. Cluttering does not have to hold you back.

Our Clinical Specialist Speech Therapists are Specialists in Cluttering. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com