Cluttering is a disorder of speech fluency characterized by too fast and/or irregular pace of speech, which is manifested, among others, by the occurrence of the so-called common disfluency of speech, incorrect use of pauses, word and sentence stresses, excessive coarticulation (pronouncing sounds with the use of speech systems appropriate for neighbouring sounds). Chaotic way of linguistic formulating of thoughts is also mentioned among the features of cluttering.
Cluttered speech belongs to the same group as stuttering, i.e., disorders of the fluency of speech. The first mention of cluttering appeared in 1717, in 1964 a groundbreaking work "Cluttering" by Deso Weiss was published, and the particular intensification of research on the disorder occurred after 2007, when the International Cluttering Association (ICA) was established. However, cluttered speech is not fully explored yet, and above all, it is little known outside the group of specialists.
– explains dr Monika Kaźmierczak.
That is one of the reasons why today it is difficult to precisely define the scale of cluttering. Over the past decades, several population studies have been carried out, for example, according to those from 2014, 1.2 percent of children aged 10-12 may be affected by cluttered speech. Cluttered speech often coexists with other disorders, among others, with stuttering, learning difficulties or ADHD. Many people struggling with cluttering are unaware of their disorder or have never even heard of cluttered speech, although they suspect that "something" is interfering with their effective communication.
The rush that slows down effective communication performance is the most characteristic feature of a person struggling with cluttering. The symptoms in speech may be aggravated by a faster pace of life, greater internal pressure ("rush to rush"), the feeling of having to keep up with the world, impulsiveness in actions or the willingness to deal with multitasking. A person who speaks too fast and is incomprehensible to the audience may be perceived as less competent at school or at work.
In her research work, the researcher from Lodz tries to distinguish characteristic features of cluttering, bring the essence of the cluttered speech closer to Polish speech therapists, patients/clients and their parents. At the same time, she does not limit herself to sharing her knowledge on the pages of scientific journals and during conferences devoted to speech disorders. In November 2021, on her initiative, a Facebook page GRUPA G (JAK GIEŁKOT) [GROUP C - as C for cluttering] was created, bringing together people interested in the problems of this speech disorder. Dr Kaźmierczak is also constantly looking for new tools and methods for speech therapy.
Some time ago, I started to wonder if the use of metaphors would help people struggling with cluttered speech describe their way of thinking and speaking more precisely. It turned out that the use of metaphorical language facilitates the description of this speech disorder in the diagnosis process and in the subsequent stages of its therapy. An in-depth analysis and greater (self) awareness help patients/clients understand what causes their difficulties in communication, and speech therapists – accurately identify problems and better support people with cluttered speech.
- says dr Kaźmierczak.
THE ESSENCE OF CLUTTERING: message of a person with cluttering vs. understanding of the message by another person
The research and popularisation activity of dr Monika Kaźmierczak has been recognized internationally. The latest ICA newsletter - "The T.R.A.D.E" published articles presenting her latest publications, conference presentations and the activity of the Facebook group led by the researcher from the University of Lodz.
Edit: Promotion Centre of the University of Lodz