An Alternative Service Delivery Model and Target Selection Approach for the Treatment of /s/ Errors
Syracuse University
Summary
We want to learn about a new way to help people make the /s/ sound, like in the word "snake." We will be studying a way to teach the /s/ sound that uses very short speech sessions. This study will also collect recordings from people as they say words with the /s/ sound. We will listen to these recordings and check if the words are said clearly. In the first visit, we'll do a speech lesson on how to make a clear /s/ sound. We will also have the participant say some words while we record them talking. If they are a good fit for the study, we will invite them to do a second visit. In the second visit, they will name some pictures, answer some questions, repeat words and sentences, and do some mouth movements. After the second visit, if they are a good fit for the study, we will invite them to do the speech lessons. The speech lessons will each take 10 minutes, and they will have lessons 4 times a week for 8 weeks. They will do these lessons on video chat. They will be randomized to either start right away or after 8 weeks. We'll also ask them to participate in 3 other visits to track progress by having them repeat words with /s/.
Description
All sessions (including testing and treatment sessions) will occur over a HIPAA-compliant Zoom account that requires a password for each session. Prior to the first Zoom visit, parents of potential participants will complete an online prescreener via REDCap. If the participant passes the prescreener, parents will automatically be provided with recording instructions and a link to upload a recording of their child producing a probe list of 30 syllables and 20 words containing /s/. The upload will transmit the file directly into our SU managed REDCap database. Participants must produce at least…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 7–11 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age: Participants must be between the ages of 7;0 and 11;11. 2. /s/ Errors: Participants must experience difficulty on /s/. 3. English Language Status: Participants must speak English as a dominant language and must have begun learning English before age 3 4. Hearing Status: Participants must have no reported hearing loss. 5. Neurodevelopmental Status: Participants must have no reported neurodevelopmental diagnosis. A reported diagnosis of ADHD/ADD is admissible if participants meet all other inclusionary criteria. 6. Technology Access: Participants must have access to…
Interventions
- BehavioralMotor-based speech treatment
Speech Motor Chaining (Preston, Leece \& Storto, 2019) will be used to guide structured practice and random practice on speech sounds. A web-based platform (chaining.syr.edu) will be used to guide aspects of the treatment (feedback type, feedback frequency, stimulus complexity, variability). Treatment will occur in 10 minute sessions via teletherapy.
Location
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, New York