The Dysfluency Index

The Dysfluency Index is a measurement used to evaluate the frequency and severity of speech disruptions, such as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks, that occur when someone is talking. It quantifies how often these disfluencies happen during a specific speech sample, providing insight into the severity of a speech disorder like stuttering. A higher index indicates more frequent or severe disruptions, while a lower index suggests relatively fluent speech. This measure helps speech-language professionals assess, track progress, and develop effective treatment plans for individuals with fluency disorders.