Actively Recruiting
Genesis: Clinical Trial of Better Speech's Artificial Intelligence Helper for Speech Therapy
Led by Syracuse University · Updated on 2025-07-11
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Syracuse University
Lead Sponsor
B
Better Speech
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research evaluates a hybrid Artificial Intelligence-assisted speech therapy model combining an AI speech therapist named Jessica with traditional speech therapy led by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The study aims to find out if this hybrid approach improves articulation in children aged 5 to 17 more effectively than traditional SLP-only therapy. It focuses on children with speech sound disorders working on the /r/ or /s/ sounds, excluding those with certain neurological or developmental conditions. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups over 8 weeks. One group receives standard weekly tele-practice sessions with an SLP, focusing on articulation practice. The hybrid group receives the same weekly sessions plus an additional 60 minutes per week of home practice using Jessica, the AI-based speech therapy tool, which provides real-time feedback and tracks progress. Children work on targeted sounds based on clinical need. During the study, children engage in weekly therapy sessions and, if in the hybrid group, extra home practice with the AI tool. Researchers will measure improvement in speech sound production from enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks, including the speed of mastering practiced words. Feedback from parents and therapists will also be collected to assess satisfaction and treatment experience. The total study duration for participants is 8 weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Hybrid and Traditional Speech Therapy for /ɹ/ and /s/ Sound Production
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Child speaks American English as one of their primary languages
- Child began learning English at age 4 or younger
- Child is between 5 years and 17 years 8 months old
- Child has no history of autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, permanent hearing loss, epilepsy, brain injury, neurosurgery, or stroke
- Child has no diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, Tourette's Syndrome, or OCD
- Child has no orthodontic appliances blocking the roof of the mouth (e.g., palate expanders)
- Child has no cleft palate, fluency disorder, or voice disorder
- Parent's goal includes working on the "r" or "s" sounds for the child
You will not qualify if you...
- Child does not speak American English as a primary language
- Child began learning English at age 4 or older
- Child is younger than 5 years or older than 17 years 8 months
- Child has a history of autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, permanent hearing loss, epilepsy, brain injury, neurosurgery, or stroke
- Child has a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, Tourette's Syndrome, or OCD
- Child has orthodontic appliances that block the roof of the mouth (e.g., palate expanders)
- Child has cleft palate, fluency disorder, or voice disorder
- Parent's goal is not to work on the "r" or "s" sounds for the child
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or virtual)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants receive weekly speech therapy sessions focusing on articulation practice for targeted speech sounds, either traditional therapy alone or combined with additional home practice using an AI-based tool.
Weekly tele-practice visits for 8 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York, United States, 13244
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jonathan Preston
N
Nina Benway
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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