Genesis: Clinical Trial of Better Speech's Artificial Intelligence Helper for Speech Therapy
Syracuse University
Summary
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.
Description
The RCT compares two intervention conditions over eight weeks: (1) a hybrid treatment group, where children receive one weekly "treatment as usual" clinician-led tele-practice session PLUS an additional 60 minutes of home practice with Jessica, and (2) a traditional treatment group, where children receive one weekly "treatment as usual" clinician-led tele-practice session. Children from both groups will be assigned to work on either the /ɹ/ or /s/ sound for the duration of the study, depending on their clinical needs. Children are randomized to conditions and stratified by clinicians. The inv…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 5–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: \- Response to be filled out by the Parent after sign up. * 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 * Does the child have a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, Tourette's Synd…
Interventions
- BehavioralTraditional Therapy
The 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.
- BehavioralHybrid therapy
The 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.
Location
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, New York