Communication in Children With or Without Biomedical Conditions: Speech and Language Profile, Related Outcomes and Articulation Treatment With Ultrasound

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the use of ultrasound visual biofeedback as an addition to articulation therapy for children aged 5 to 12 with speech sound disorders involving tongue movements. This study aims to help children better learn to pronounce difficult sounds by allowing them to see real-time images of their tongue during speech. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive immediate treatment or be placed on a wait-list control group that receives usual care initially, then later the same ultrasound therapy. The intervention being studied is a motor-phonetic approach enhanced by ultrasound visual biofeedback, which helps children visualize their tongue movements to improve speech sounds. Children in the immediate treatment group receive this therapy right away, while those in the wait-list control group receive no treatment for 4 weeks before crossing over to get the same ultrasound therapy. This design allows comparison of outcomes between groups while ensuring all participants eventually receive the treatment. Participants will be evaluated at multiple points including baseline, 4, 8, and 16 weeks. Researchers will measure speech accuracy using a 20-item probe list, speech intelligibility, consonant correctness, quality of life, behavioral strengths and difficulties, and parental stress. These assessments include questionnaires and speech evaluations. The study involves double-blind randomization and continues until 16 weeks with follow-up visits to monitor progress and outcomes.

Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Aided Articulation Therapy for Children With Speech Sound Disorders