Arizona State University (ASU) SHS205 Exploring Communication Disorders in Children and Adults Final Practice Exam

Prolongations of sounds and syllables are characterized by the inappropriate lengthening of speech sounds, which can also include changes in pitch. This often manifests in speech as a stretching out of specific sounds within words, as seen in the example 'Mmmmommy’s home,' where the sound 'M' is held longer than usual. Such occurrences can disrupt the normal flow of speech and are commonly associated with certain speech disorders, particularly stuttering. Understanding this concept is crucial for identifying patterns in communication disorders, as it differentiates prolongations from other types of speech disruptions, such as repetitions, disfluencies, or fragmentations, which have their distinct characteristics.