Improving speech treatment for sound disorders using AI and intensive practice
Official title: Intensive Speech Motor Chaining Treatment and Artificial Intelligence Integration for Residual Speech Sound Disorders
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-11077238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $498,821 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020959-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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 University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Preston, Jonathan — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Preston, Jonathan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.