Highlights
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) devote their careers to helping individuals overcome communication challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) has brought several changes to speech and language therapy in the past few years, advancing how SLPs treat and engage with clients.
Staying informed on the latest advances in AI and speech therapy for children, from instant biofeedback to personalized interventions, can help you provide your clients with practical therapy approaches that improve their quality of life.
AI has significantly advanced speech-language therapy, aiding SLPs through crowdsourced data, machine learning algorithms, biofeedback, and gamification.
Numerous grants and projects are currently being implemented to help develop AI-assisted speech therapy applications. The University of Buffalo’s AI institute, supported by a $20 million grant, develops systems for individuals with speech and language challenges. Projects like Project Euphonia and Voicett use machine learning to assist those with speech disabilities.
Publicly available AI applications, such as DALL-e and ChatGPT, also contribute to enhancing expression for users with disabilities. ChatGPT can help patients practice their conversational skills and receive feedback, while DALL-e can take a written description and generate a visual representation of the described object, enabling better communication.
AI also benefits SLPs in clinical decision-making and treatment recommendations, improving accuracy, generating personalized exercises, and providing biofeedback during speech production.
AI is crucial in assisting speech therapy, particularly for children with speech, hearing, and language disorders. Through the integration of AI technology, therapy sessions become more interactive, engaging, and tailored to each child’s specific needs.
One of the key benefits of AI in speech therapy is its ability to provide personalized activities. AI algorithms can analyze a child’s speech patterns, identify areas of improvement, and generate targeted exercises to address specific challenges. This individualized approach promotes more efficient and effective therapy outcomes.
A successful AI-based speech development tool was launched in Europe in 2018 to help children with speech disabilities. Timlogo, created by Ascendia, uses AI to analyze pronunciation, diagnose issues, and recommend personalized exercises. Timlogo integrates gamification, incorporating characters and stories to engage children and boost their confidence.
Timlogo is currently used by over 510 speech therapists and has been implemented in 14 schools in Romania. Recognized for its potential, Ascendia received a grant through Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility program to expand Timlogo’s reach to other countries like Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia.
AI applications can offer real-time feedback and biofeedback during speech production, allowing children to monitor and adjust their articulation and pronunciation. This immediate feedback encourages self-correction and facilitates the development of accurate speech and language skills.
A 2023 review on AI-based Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) demonstrated significant promise for speech and communication rehabilitation in children and adolescents. The article reviewed studies in which a robot-like assistant was used to motivate children with speech and language disorders. The robot provided tactile, auditory, and visual stimuli, increasing attention span during therapy sessions.
Another reviewed study explored the use of a humanoid robot as a stutterer’s assistant, using auditory and visual feedback techniques. The researchers concluded that social robots can support various aspects of communication development, including vocabulary and language development, speech rate control, articulation therapy, and storytelling.
AI-powered speech therapy tools often incorporate gamification elements, making learning enjoyable and motivating for children. Interactive games, virtual avatars, and adaptive learning systems help keep children engaged and eager to participate in therapy sessions.
A 2023 narrative review on using digital games for speech rehabilitation found that they can effectively improve speech and increase motivation in therapy. The games primarily focused on phonemes and words, targeting the pronunciation and retrieval of correct sounds.
The positive impact of digital games was observed in various speech disorders, including apraxia, dysarthria, and phonological impairment. The researchers determined that mobile platforms were the preferred medium for these games, given their portability and availability.
With only 75% of children diagnosed with speech and language disorders receiving treatment, SLPs need to provide alternative options for access to therapy services such as remote, virtual sessions, allowing AI to improve speech therapy accessibility for remote clients.
Children can receive therapy remotely through online platforms and mobile applications, breaking down geographical barriers and increasing access to services. This benefits children in rural areas or those with limited access to specialized speech therapists.
The shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the USA, particularly in schools, is due to limited graduate program openings, the growing autism rate and aging population, and increased demand. Using teletherapy and AI programs can help address the shortage in several ways:
AI for speech disorder treatment provides personalized interventions, objective assessment measures, and assistive tools for individuals with aphasia, apraxia, stuttering, dyslexia, and other language disorders.
AI algorithms can facilitate language recovery for individuals with apraxia and aphasia, motor, speech, and language disorders caused by brain injuries. AI-powered apps and programs offer personalized exercises, speech recognition, and feedback, allowing individuals to practice and improve their language abilities at their own pace. This technology enhances therapy outcomes by providing tailored interventions that target specific language impairments.
A 2019 study evaluated a speech therapy app using automatic speech recognition (ASR) software for individuals with apraxia of speech and aphasia. The app provided feedback on speech accuracy. Results showed an average agreement of 80% between ASR and human judgment on accuracy.
Participants demonstrated improved word production accuracy over time with ASR-based feedback, and gains were maintained after one month. The study suggests ASR-based therapy be used to supplement clinician-run sessions for improved practice intensity and self-management.
AI-based tools offer valuable assistance for individuals with stuttering or stammering disorders to improve their speech. These tools use techniques like delayed auditory feedback, visual feedback, and speech rate control to provide real-time support and guidance. By practicing with these tools, individuals can enhance their fluency, build confidence, and overcome communication challenges associated with stuttering or stammering.
A 2021 study examined the efficacy of Fluent, an AI-augmented writing tool designed to assist people who stutter in writing scripts to speak more fluently. Fluent uses active learning to identify words that individuals might struggle to pronounce and offers alternative words with similar meanings. The tool continuously evolves based on user feedback.
The study results show that Fluent can accurately identify difficult words with over 80% accuracy in under 20 interactions. The tool has the potential to be beneficial in important life situations, such as giving talks or presentations and providing support for people who stutter.
AI can help individuals with dyslexia, a reading and writing disorder. AI-powered tools offer text-to-speech functionalities, highlighting and pronouncing words to improve reading accuracy. Natural language processing algorithms help individuals with dyslexia comprehend written information more effectively, enhancing their overall literacy skills.
A 2021 study explores the potential of using AI for the early detection of dyslexia. By analyzing audio recordings from dyslexic and non-dyslexic children, the researchers developed a neural network that outperformed other approaches. The results suggest the possibility of accurate and inexpensive screening for dyslexia using non-invasive methods, enabling early intervention.
AI advancements have begun to impact the development and implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for those in speech therapy. Through natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, AI in augmentative and alternative communication has enabled AAC devices to better understand and predict user intent, resulting in more accurate and efficient communication.
AI also facilitates the integration of voice recognition, predictive text, and personalized language models, allowing individuals with communication challenges to express themselves more autonomously.
A 2019 study on AAC and AI concluded that AI tools can enhance the support provided to people with complex communication needs who rely on AAC. Researchers determined that AI-powered tools supported assistive augmentation by integrating machine learning with the user’s mind, body, and behavior, resulting in improved physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities.
The integration of AI in speech-language pathology is the future of SLT. Don’t get left behind because you’re using outdated practice management software.
To optimize assessment accuracy, tailor interventions, and achieve better outcomes for your clients, start with a modern, therapy practice management system with features designed specifically for SLPs. The all-in-one, cloud-based therapy EMR includes:
Embrace the future of speech therapy by scheduling a demo with ClinicSource today and see how our integrated therapy EMR and practice management system can transform your practice.
