Speech Motor Chaining is an evidence-based motor learning treatment for speech sound disorders. Our past research has shown that children who have demonstrated little progress following traditional treatment can improve their speech sounds with motor learning treatment. Additionally, we’ve found that Speech Motor Chaining provided in 10-minute sessions can improve accuracy of the “r” sound in children ages 7-9. In this study, we are researching if virtual sessions using Speech Motor Chaining within an alternative treatment schedule of four, 10-minute sessions provided weekly can be used to help children who are stimulable for /s/ learn to produce /s/ more consistently. Additionally, we are researching if treating /s/ in both the onset and coda positions will result in greater degree of improvement than treating /s/ in the onset position only.
What is involved?
- Virtual 45-minute consent/assent & orientation to correct “S” production session
- Virtual Speech pathology assessment (about 60 minutes)
- 32 free 10-minute speech sessions occurring 4 times a week for 8 weeks on Zoom
- Three 30-minute recording sessions on Zoom
All sessions for this study will occur over Zoom. Participants must have broadband wired internet connection and access to an Apple or Windows computer with the ability to join a Zoom session to be eligible for this study.
Who can take part?
Children between the ages of 7 and 11 years old who have mild difficulty saying the “S” sound and who:
- Have normal/adjusted to normal hearing
- Speak English as a first language
- Have no other developmental concerns
- Have no oral or facial structural issues
- Are stimulable for “S” after a 30-minute teaching session
Benefits
- A speech pathology assessment report
- 32 free 10-minute speech sessions over Zoom
Not everyone will be a good candidate for this study. Parents who are interested in having their families participate in the study can complete the Electronic Screener (link to Electronic Consent Form on REDCap). If your responses to this screening tool indicate that your child may be a good candidate, a lab member will contact you for a more in-depth screening via phone or Zoom call.
Contact
For more information, contact Benedette (Benny) Herbst at bmherbst@syr.edu or call (315) 443-1351, or click the button below.
If you are interested, fill out the pre-screener!
For more study information, please review the following documents:
(Parent) Informed Consent and Child Assent documents