Improving speech treatment for sound disorders using AI and intensive practice

Intensive Speech Motor Chaining Treatment and Artificial Intelligence Integration for Residual Speech Sound Disorders

NIH-funded research Syracuse University · NIH-11077238

This study is looking to make speech therapy better for people with trouble saying sounds like "r," "s," and "z" by using a new method that combines the expertise of speech therapists with smart technology, so that everyone can get the personalized help they need, even when therapists have a lot of patients to see.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSyracuse University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Syracuse, United States)
Project IDNIH-11077238 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing treatment for chronic speech sound disorders, particularly those affecting the sounds /ɹ, s, z/. It aims to optimize a motor-based treatment called Speech Motor Chaining, which is guided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and incorporates artificial intelligence to improve treatment delivery. The study will explore how to provide effective, high-intensity treatment sessions that can adapt to individual patient needs, even when SLPs have large caseloads. By leveraging technology and evidence-based practices, the goal is to make speech therapy more accessible and effective for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults with persistent speech sound disorders affecting the sounds /ɹ, s, z/ who have not responded adequately to traditional speech therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have speech sound disorders or those whose conditions are not related to the targeted sounds /ɹ, s, z/ may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible treatments for individuals with chronic speech sound disorders, improving their communication abilities and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with motor-based treatments for speech disorders, but the integration of AI in this context is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Syracuse, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.