Computer-based speech therapy for childhood speech sound disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 50-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Furlong ◽  
Shane Erickson ◽  
Meg E. Morris
2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1987-1996
Author(s):  
Sherine R. Tambyraja

Purpose This study investigated the extent to which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) facilitate parents' completion of homework activities for children with speech sound disorder (SSD). In addition, this study explored factors related to more consistent communication about homework completion and strategies considered particularly effective for supporting this element of parental involvement. Method Licensed SLPs serving at least one child with SSD were invited to participate in an online survey. Questions relevant to this study gathered information regarding (a) frequency of communication about homework distribution and follow-up, (b) demographic and workplace characteristics, and (c) an open-ended question about the specific strategies used to support parental involvement and completion of homework activities. Results Descriptive results indicated considerable variability with respect to how frequently SLPs engaged in communication about homework completion, but that school-based SLPs were significantly less likely to engage in this type of follow-up. Strategies considered effective, however, were similar across therapy contexts. Conclusion These results suggest potentially important differences between school-based services and therapy in other contexts with respect to this particular aspect of service provision for children with SSD.


Author(s):  
Tanya Matthews ◽  
Alexandra Barbeau-Morrison ◽  
Susan Rvachew

Purpose The purpose of this article is to provide trial-by-trial practice performance data in relation to learning (outcome probe data) as collected from 18 treatment sessions provided to children with severe speech sound disorders. The data illustrate the practice–learning paradox: Specific, perfect practice performance is not required for speech production learning. Method We detailed how nine student speech-language pathologists (SSLPs) implemented and modified the motor learning practice conditions to reach a proposed challenge point during speech practice. Eleven participants diagnosed with a severe speech sound disorder received high-intensity speech therapy 3 times per week for 6 weeks. SSLPs implemented treatment procedures with the goal of achieving at least 100 practice trials while manipulating practice parameters to maintain practice at the challenge point. Specifically, child performance was monitored for accuracy in five-trial increments, and practice parameters were changed to increase functional task difficulty when the child's performance was high (four or five correct responses) or to decrease functional task difficulty when the child's performance was low (fewer than four correct responses). The practice stimulus, type and amount of feedback, structure of practice, or level of support might be changed to ensure practice at the challenge point. Results On average, the children achieved 102 practice trials per session at a level of 58% correct responses. Fast achievement of connected speech with the lowest amount of support was associated with high scores on generalization probes. Even with high levels of error during practice, the children improved percent consonants correct with maintenance of learning 3 months posttreatment. Conclusion The results of this study show that it may not be necessary to overpractice or maintain a high degree of performance accuracy during treatment sessions to achieve transfer and retention of speech production learning.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
Justyna Grudziąż-Sękowska ◽  
Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk ◽  
Małgorzata Zadurska

Anatomical defects and functional disorders of the masticatory system are often accompanied by speech sound disorders. Speech therapy prophylaxis, as well as prevention of disorders of all parts of the masticatory system, is focused on monitoring of the proper development of anatomy and functions typical of a given developmental period. An early therapeutic intervention is associated with better results. <b>Aim</b>. This study aimed to create a simple tool for dentists to assess the risk of articulation disorders using several preselected physical and functional characteristics. <b>Materials and methods</b>. Three hundred children aged 7-10 years had a dental and speech examination performed. Using the CHAID algorithm upon assessing the disorders of the masticatory system and coexisting speech sound disorders, it was possible to create a decision tree to determine the probability of two disorders occurring at the same time. <b>Results</b>. It was observed that there were many correlations between individual anatomical or functional disorders and presence of speech sound disorders. The strength of those correlations was measured. Mesioclusions, distoclusions, open bites, short lingual frenulum, persistent infantile swallow pattern, mouth breathing, and premature loss of deciduous teeth were all determined to increase the risk of speech sound disorders in children. <b>Conclusions</b>. This algorithm is a simple diagnostic tool for dentists. It enables early detection of a high risk of speech sound disorders. Children with particular malocclusions should undergo speech therapy prophylaxis and be referred to consultations with a speech therapist. Early detection of such abnormalities will allow to avoid not only the intensification and consolidation of speech defects, but also certain pathologies of the oral cavity.<b> (Grudziąż-Sękowska J, Olczak-Kowalczyk D, Zadurska M. Algorithm for early detection of a high risk of speech sound disorders in children. Orthod Forum 2018; 14: 119-29)</b>.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 457-468
Author(s):  
Kelly Farquharson ◽  
Sherine R. Tambyraja ◽  
Laura M. Justice

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which child- and therapy-level factors contribute to gains in speech sound production accuracy for children with speech sound disorders in receipt of school-based services. Method Data were obtained from 126 kindergarten and first- and second-grade children currently in receipt of speech therapy services in their public school setting. Pretest and posttest measures of spontaneous speech production and language ability were collected at the beginning and end of one academic year. Using a spontaneous speech sample, percentage of consonants correct (PCC) was calculated for each child; a gain score was computed by subtracting the pretest PCC score from the posttest PCC score. The children's speech-language pathologist completed weekly therapy logs during business-as-usual therapy, indicating the frequency, duration, and group composition of services throughout the school year. Results Results supported that gain in PCC from pretest to posttest was predicted by several child- and therapy-level variables. Children's initial speech sound severity was negatively related to gains in PCC. Our results also supported that the total number of therapy sessions received in a year was positively predictive of PCC gain. Interestingly, the number of individual therapy sessions was negatively associated with PCC gain. Conclusion Several malleable therapy factors contribute to gains in speech sound accuracy for children with speech sound disorders. Speech-language pathologists should consider how these factors may be manipulated to best tailor treatment to the individual needs of the children on their caseloads.


Author(s):  
David M. Rehfeld ◽  
Tracey N. Sulak

Purpose Children with speech sound disorders feature prominently on the caseloads of speech-language pathologists working in schools, with many receiving services once or twice weekly for 20–30 min. This study compared the outcomes of services provided twice weekly for 30 min to those provided 4 times weekly for 15 min to examine their effectiveness in remediating speech sound disorders in an elementary school setting. Method A total of 35 students were recruited from an existing public school caseload for participation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive school-based speech therapy services for either 30 min twice weekly or 15 min 4 times weekly. There were no differences between groups in age, gender, or the amount of time spent in general education. Growth was measured by the percentage of Individualized Education Program goals mastered and the percentage of sounds produced correctly in isolation. Results After one calendar year, there was a negligible difference between groups on both the percentage of Individualized Education Program goals mastered and the percentage of sounds produced correctly in isolation. On average, both scheduling configurations were effective in meeting students' needs. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that children with speech sound disorders receiving school-based speech therapy services can benefit from a variety of scheduling options. Awareness of such options is an invaluable resource to speech-language pathologists wanting to provide effective and efficient services. Future research should continue investigating service delivery models' effects in applied settings.


Author(s):  
Patricia Haas ◽  
Aline Mara de Oliveira ◽  
Maiana Pamplona ◽  
Eduarda Besen ◽  
Emanuelle Moreira ◽  
...  

Introdução: Dentre os distúrbios dos sons da fala, tem-se o desvio fonológico, sendo este caracterizado por erros na produção de fala.  A partir dos achados da avaliação fonológica, o terapeuta deverá selecionar a proposta de intervenção mais adequada para cada caso dentre os diversos modelos elaborados a partir de teorias linguísticas que buscam alcançar a reorganização fonológica. Objetivo: Avaliar a intervenção fonológica para os casos de desvios fonológicos no Português Brasileiro Método: a revisão sistemática foi conduzida conforme as recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A busca por artigos científicos foi conduzida por dois pesquisadores independentes nas bases de dados Medline (Pubmed), LILACS, SciELO, Cochrane Library e Scopus. A pesquisa foi realizada com os descritores [(Phonological disorders) or (Phonological impairment) or (Speech sound disorders) or (Articulation Disorders) or (Language and Hearing Sciences) and (Speech Therapy) or (Speech Intervention) or (Phonological treatment) or (Phonological Intervention)] e compreendeu o período de janeiro de 2015 a maio de 2020. Resultados: Todas as crianças apresentaram evolução e ampliação no sistemas fonológicos, independente da intervenção fonológica escolhida para o caso. Entretanto, os estudos que aliaram a terapia tradicional com outros recursos alternativos (exemplo, softwares) obtiveram resultados promissores. Conclusão: Apesar dos resultados terem sido eficazes nos estudos analisados, não foi possível sistematizar a escolha da intervenção com o quadro clínico dos sujeitos em decorrência da falta de uniformização dos sujeitos e ao delineamento metodológico. Não é possível realizar conclusões sistemáticas com relação à intervenção fonológica de crianças brasileiras.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (02) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherine Tambyraja ◽  
Kelly Farquharson

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore how school-based speech–language pathologists (SLPs) determine eligibility for children with speech sound disorders (SSDs). Presently, there is substantial variability nationwide with respect to if or how children with SSDs receive speech therapy in public schools. We report the results of a nation-wide survey of school-based SLPs, which further underscore this variability. Findings provide insight into which and how many factors SLPs report contributing to eligibility decisions, as well as which and how many components of an assessment are mandatory. Our discussion includes a call to advocacy for SLPs, but also a need for increased awareness of this problematic variability for school administrators.


Author(s):  
Sue Grogan-Johnson ◽  
Rodney M. Gabel ◽  
Jacquelyn Taylor ◽  
Lynne E. Rowan ◽  
Robin Alvares ◽  
...  

This article describes a school-based telehealth service delivery model and reports outcomes made by school-age students with speech sound disorders in a rural Ohio school district. Speech therapy using computer-based speech sound intervention materials was provided either by live interactive videoconferencing (telehealth), or conventional side-by-side intervention.  Progress was measured using pre- and post-intervention scores on the Goldman Fristoe Test of Articulation-2 (Goldman & Fristoe, 2002). Students in both service delivery models made significant improvements in speech sound production, with students in the telehealth condition demonstrating greater mastery of their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals. Live interactive videoconferencing thus appears to be a viable method for delivering intervention for speech sound disorders to children in a rural, public school setting. Keywords:  Telehealth, telerehabilitation, videoconferencing, speech sound disorder, speech therapy, speech-language pathology; E-Helper


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