The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid Artificial Intelligence-assisted speech therapy model, which combines the use of an AI speech therapist (Jessica) with traditional speech therapy sessions led by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). This study aims to determine whether the hybrid model improves articulation in children more effectively than traditional SLP-only therapy. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants will receive weekly therapy sessions, and those in the hybrid therapy group will also practice with Jessica between sessions. The study will also gather feedback from parents and speech therapists to assess their experiences and satisfaction with treatment.
Does the child speak American English as one of their primary languages: Yes
At what age did the child first begin to learn English? Age 4 or younger
Child's current age: > 5 years or < 17 years 8 months
Does the child have any known history of any of the following: autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, permanent hearing loss, epilepsy/antiepileptic medication, or brain injury/neurosurgery/stroke: NO
EXCLUSIONARY Response to be filled out by the Parent after sign up.
Does the child speak American English as one of their primary languages: No
At what age did the child first begin to learn English? Age 4 or older
Child's current age: <5 years or > 17 years 8 months
Parallel
Traditional Therapy
BehavioralThe child would receive standard speech therapy, meeting with the SLP once a week for therapy sessions for 8 weeks. These sessions will focus on articulation practice, where your child will work on speech sounds with direct feedback from the SLP.
Hybrid therapy
BehavioralThe child would receive standard speech therapy, meeting with the SLP once a week for therapy sessions for 8 weeks. These sessions will focus on articulation practice, where your child will work on speech sounds with direct feedback from the SLP. In addition to these weekly sessions, the child will practice using the AI-based speech therapy tool, Jessica, at home between sessions for 60 minutes per week. The tool will provide real-time feedback on the child's articulation and track their progress. The child will be asked to practice specific speech exercises, such as producing target sounds (e.g., /r/, /s/) in words, phrases, or sentences.
Motor Learning - Percent Improvement on Outcome Words/Phrases
Change scores from baseline to week 8 (i.e., after same amount of clinician treatment). Change scores are calculated from expert listener-averaged perceptual ratings of /ɹ/ or /s/ in pre-defined word lists. These ratings/words are solicited from the Outcome Word List. The ratings are obtained using Perceptual Rating Scale-5 point. Note: The Outcome Word List is not necessarily an untreated word list. Untreated words are ideal; however, it is not possible to ensure that words are untreated in a treatment-as-usual paradigm. At a minimum, this word list will be a measure of "retention and generalization".
Time to Mastery of Practiced Words
Group-level percent mastery for in-session clinician ratings of /ɹ/ or /s/ in practiced words from weeks 1-8. The target words are solicited from the in-session practiced words and the percent mastery rating is taken from the SLP session notes. Because SLPs rating of session accuracy could possibly be biased by their knowledge of if the child is working with Jessica or not, it is CRITICAL that SLPs MUST NOT know a participant's group assignment.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Syracuse University
Lead sponsor
Better Speech
Collaborator
