scholarly journals Optimized and Predictive Phonemic Interfaces for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (7) ◽  
pp. 2065-2081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel J. Cler ◽  
Katharine R. Kolin ◽  
Jacob P. Noordzij ◽  
Jennifer M. Vojtech ◽  
Susan K. Fager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Access Method ◽  
Motor Speech Disorders ◽  
Access Methods ◽  
Computational Optimization ◽  
Severe Motor ◽  
Target Locations

Purpose We empirically assessed the results of computational optimization and prediction in communication interfaces that were designed to allow individuals with severe motor speech disorders to select phonemes and generate speech output. Method Interface layouts were either random or optimized, in which phoneme targets that were likely to be selected together were located in proximity. Target sizes were either static or predictive, such that likely targets were dynamically enlarged following each selection. Communication interfaces were evaluated by 36 users without motor impairments using an alternate access method. Each user was assigned to 1 of 4 interfaces varying in layout and whether prediction was implemented (random/static, random/predictive, optimized/static, optimized/predictive) and participated in 12 sessions over a 3-week period. Six participants with severe motor impairments used both the optimized/static and optimized/predictive interfaces in 1–2 sessions. Results In individuals without motor impairments, prediction provided significantly faster communication rates during training (Sessions 1–9), as users were learning the interface target locations and the novel access method. After training, optimization acted to significantly increase communication rates. The optimization likely became relevant only after training when participants knew the target locations and moved directly to the targets. Participants with motor impairments could use the interfaces with alternate access methods and generally rated the interface with prediction as preferred. Conclusions Optimization and prediction led to increases in communication rates in users without motor impairments. Predictive interfaces were preferred by users with motor impairments. Future research is needed to translate these results into clinical practice. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8636948

scholarly journals Effects of a Conversation-Based Intervention on the Linguistic Skills of Children With Motor Speech Disorders Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. 1980-1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Soto ◽  
Michael T. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Expressive Language ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Expressive Vocabulary ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Motor Speech ◽  
Motor Speech Disorders ◽  
Grammatical Skills ◽  
Severe Motor ◽  
Expressive Language Delay

Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a conversation-based intervention on the expressive vocabulary and grammatical skills of children with severe motor speech disorders and expressive language delay who use augmentative and alternative communication. Method Eight children aged from 8 to 13 years participated in the study. After a baseline period, a conversation-based intervention was provided for each participant, in which they were supported to learn and use linguistic structures essential for the formation of clauses and the grammaticalization of their utterances, such as pronouns, verbs, and bound morphemes, in the context of personally meaningful and scaffolded conversations with trained clinicians. The conversations were videotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT; Miller & Chapman, 1991). Results Results indicate that participants showed improvements in their use of spontaneous clauses, and a greater use of pronouns, verbs, and bound morphemes. These improvements were sustained and generalized to conversations with familiar partners. Conclusion The results demonstrate the positive effects of the conversation-based intervention for improving the expressive vocabulary and grammatical skills of children with severe motor speech disorders and expressive language delay who use augmentative and alternative communication. Clinical and theoretical implications of conversation-based interventions are discussed and future research needs are identified. Supplemental Materials https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5150113

scholarly journals Motor Speech Disorders and Communication Limitations in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Heather M. Clark ◽  
Rene L. Utianski ◽  
Farwa Ali ◽  
Hugo Botha ◽  
Jennifer L. Whitwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Apraxia Of Speech ◽  
Prosodic Features ◽  
Motor Speech ◽  
Motor Speech Disorders ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Communicative Effectiveness

Purpose This study describes motor speech disorders and associated communication limitations in six variants of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Method The presence, nature, and severity of dysarthria and apraxia of speech (AOS) were documented, along with scores on the Apraxia of Speech Rating Scale–Version 3 (ASRS-3) for 77 (40 male and 37 female) patients with PSP. Clinician-estimated and patient-estimated communication limitations were rated using the Motor Speech Disorders Severity Rating (MSDSR) Scale and the Communicative Effectiveness Survey (CES), respectively. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each of these dependent variables. One-tailed t tests were conducted to test mean differences in ASRS-3 and CES between participants with and without AOS and between participants with and without dysarthria. Spearman rank correlations were calculated between ASRS-3 scores and clinical judgments of AOS and dysarthria severity and between MSDSR and CES ratings. Results Nine participants (12%) had normal speech. Eighty-seven percent exhibited dysarthria; hypokinetic and mixed hypokinetic–spastic dysarthria were observed most frequently. AOS was observed in 19.5% of participants across all variants, but in only 10% exclusive of the PSP speech and language variant. Nearly half presented with AOS in which neither phonetic nor prosodic features clearly predominated. The mean ASRS-3 score for participants with AOS was significantly higher than for those without and correlated strongly with clinician judgment of AOS severity. Mean ASRS-3 was higher for participants with dysarthria than for those without but correlated weakly with dysarthria severity. Mean MSDSR and CES ratings were lower in participants with AOS compared to those without and moderately correlated with each other. Conclusions Motor speech disorders that negatively impact communicative effectiveness are common in PSP and occur in many variants. This is the first description of motor speech disorders across PSP variants, setting the stage for future research characterizing neuroanatomical correlates, progression of motor speech disorders, and benefits of targeted interventions. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14111837

Motor Speech Disorders

2019 ◽  
pp. 448-471
Author(s):  
Wolfram Ziegler ◽  
Theresa Schölderle ◽  
Ingrid Aichert ◽  
Anja Staiger
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Communication ◽  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Motor Speech ◽  
Motor Speech Disorders ◽  
Motor Network ◽  
Neurologic Disorders ◽  
Symptom Patterns ◽  
Speech Motor

This chapter reviews speech motor impairments resulting from neurologic disorders, that is, dysarthria and apraxia of speech. The architecture of the brain’s speech motor network is used as a framework to describe the symptom patterns of the most relevant syndromes and their underlying pathomechanisms, with a focus on some of the more controversial issues. The chapter’s final section discusses whether speech motor impairments should be understood as domain-general dysfunctions of respiratory, laryngeal, and vocal tract movements, or as disorders of a motor system specialized for vocal communication.

When You Can't Touch a Touch Screen

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (04) ◽  
pp. 286-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Boster ◽  
John McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Touch Screen ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Access Methods ◽  
Apple Ipad ◽  
Multiple Devices ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Intuitive Interface

AbstractA touch screen can be an intuitive interface method for many people. Mobile phones, tablets, and tablet computer combinations have made this technology part of daily use. Touchscreen technologies are common and present unique difficulties for individuals who require alternative access methods. Dedicated augmentative and alternative communication systems continue to offer a range of access methods, but it is also important to examine existing accessibility options from mainstream companies (e.g., Microsoft [Redmond, WA], Apple [Cupertino, CA]) and how current tools can be used to allow individuals to interact with touch screen technologies. An overview of current accessibility features available on popular mainstream devices (e.g., Microsoft Surface, Apple iPad) is provided along with discussion of alternative access methods for current technologies, future research directions, and the potential impact of speech recognition, virtual reality, and augmented reality for interfacing with multiple devices.

Natural Speech and AAC Intervention in Childhood Motor Speech Disorders: Not an Either/Or Situation

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R. Oommen ◽  
John W. McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Speech Development ◽  
Natural Speech ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Motor Speech ◽  
Motor Speech Disorders ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Speech Intervention

The future of natural speech development is uncertain for children with motor speech disorders (MSD). There is a strong desire to put plans in place as early as possible to anticipate long-term needs. Simultaneously, the knowledge that natural speech development may take time and effort and the idea that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can help to fill in the gap while such progress is being made makes sense on a foundational level. However, practical questions remain about the balance of natural speech intervention along with AAC use, particularly when both skills may require intervention and practice before functional benefits are realized. Although AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication, what the acronym does not provide is an indication of how balance between augmenting natural speech and seeking more of an alternative is to be obtained. In this article, we review impairments in natural speech in children with MSDs. Through this lens, we navigate a path to understanding how, on a practical level, AAC and natural speech strategies can be implemented simultaneously and in a complementary fashion. Following an overview of literature, we move to a discussion of the dual paradigm approach. Finally, we conclude with practical applications of principles through a case study.

Treatment Efficacy

1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Yorkston
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Group Treatment ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Motor Speech Disorders ◽  
Treatment Research

The dysarthrias form a group of diverse, chronic motor speech disorders. The disorders of Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and cerebral palsy are reviewed because they represent important clinical diagnoses in which dysarthria is a frequent and debilitating symptom. The roles played by speech-language pathologists include participation in differential diagnosis, provision of speech treatment, staging of treatment, and timely education so that clients and families can make informed decisions about communication alternatives. Both scientific and clinical evidence is presented that suggests that individuals with dysarthria benefit from the services of speech-language pathologists. Group-treatment studies, single-subject studies, and case reports illustrate the effectiveness of various types ofspeech treatment. Research into the effectiveness of augmentative and alternative communication systems for individuals with cerebral palsy is also presented.

Communication and Language Interventions for Children With Down Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven F. Warren ◽  
Shelley L. Bredin-Oja ◽  
Laura J. Hahn ◽  
Nancy Brady
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Children With Down Syndrome ◽  
Early Communication ◽  
Speech And Language Development

Delayed and disordered speech and language development are among the primary challenges for young children with Down syndrome. Common sources of these delays include frequent ear infections and fluctuating hearing loss early in life, significant oral motor impairments, and delayed onset of joint attention and related cognitive skills. This chapter is focused on the early childhood period up to 8 years of age because most of the intervention research has been conducted during this period. The review is limited to two types of intervention: milieu teaching (MT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) because much of the published research has focused on these two approaches. The review reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the research to date. Four directions for future research are proposed, most importantly combining MT and AAC approaches in a single flexible model of early communication and language intervention for young children with DS.

Force Transducers for the Evaluation of Labial, Lingual, and Mandibular Motor Impairments

1983 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 616-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Barlow ◽  
James H. Abbs
Keyword(s):  
Force Control ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
Spastic Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Motor Speech ◽  
Motor Speech Disorders ◽  
Force Transducers ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Individual Motor

Three transducers were developed for evaluating lip, tongue, and jaw muscle force control in individuals with motor speech disorders. The rationale for the development of these transducers was based upon the hypothesized need for clinical assessment of the individual motor subsystems of the speech production mechanism. To provide an indication of the utility of these devices, exemplary force control data from adults with Parkinson's disease and spastic cerebral palsy are provided. Observations of differential force control impairment in the labial, lingual, and mandibular subsystems of these dysarthric individuals supported the rationale for this development. Observations were made also concerning the utility of these nonspeech measures for predicting speech motor dysfunction.

Comparative Effects of High-Tech Visual Scene Displays and Low-Tech Isolated Picture Symbols on Engagement From Students With Multiple Disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 693-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Holyfield ◽  
Sydney Brooks ◽  
Allison Schluterman
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Multiple Disabilities ◽  
Visual Scene ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Difference

Purpose Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an intervention approach that can promote communication and language in children with multiple disabilities who are beginning communicators. While a wide range of AAC technologies are available, little is known about the comparative effects of specific technology options. Given that engagement can be low for beginning communicators with multiple disabilities, the current study provides initial information about the comparative effects of 2 AAC technology options—high-tech visual scene displays (VSDs) and low-tech isolated picture symbols—on engagement. Method Three elementary-age beginning communicators with multiple disabilities participated. The study used a single-subject, alternating treatment design with each technology serving as a condition. Participants interacted with their school speech-language pathologists using each of the 2 technologies across 5 sessions in a block randomized order. Results According to visual analysis and nonoverlap of all pairs calculations, all 3 participants demonstrated more engagement with the high-tech VSDs than the low-tech isolated picture symbols as measured by their seconds of gaze toward each technology option. Despite the difference in engagement observed, there was no clear difference across the 2 conditions in engagement toward the communication partner or use of the AAC. Conclusions Clinicians can consider measuring engagement when evaluating AAC technology options for children with multiple disabilities and should consider evaluating high-tech VSDs as 1 technology option for them. Future research must explore the extent to which differences in engagement to particular AAC technologies result in differences in communication and language learning over time as might be expected.

New AAC Access Strategy for Gesture Tracking: A Technical Note

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Fager ◽  
Tom Jakobs ◽  
David Beukelman ◽  
Tricia Ternus ◽  
Haylee Schley
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Head Tracking ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Access Methods ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Gesture Tracking ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Tracking Device

Abstract This article summarizes the design and evaluation of a new augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interface strategy for people with complex communication needs and severe physical limitations. This strategy combines typing, gesture recognition, and word prediction to input text into AAC software using touchscreen or head movement tracking access methods. Eight individuals with movement limitations due to spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, polio, and Guillain Barre syndrome participated in the evaluation of the prototype technology using a head-tracking device. Fourteen typical individuals participated in the evaluation of the prototype using a touchscreen.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document