TerminatedNot Applicable

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Hybrid and Traditional Speech Therapy for /ɹ/ and /s/ Sound Production

Stopped: Funding discontinued

United States23 participantsStarted 2025-05-01

Plain-language 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.

Who can participate

Age range

5 Years – 17 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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 Syndrome, or OCD? NO * Does the child currently have orthodontic appliances that block the roof of the mouth (e.g., palate expanders)? NO * Does the child currently have a cleft palate, fluency disorder (e.g., stuttering), or voice disorder? NO * Is one of your goals for your child to work on saying the "r" or "s" sounds? YES Exclusion Criteria: * 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 * 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: YES * Does the child have a diagn…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Motor Learning - Percent Improvement on Outcome Words/Phrases

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07061730

SponsorSyracuse University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-02-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Speech Sound Disorder trials