The proposed study will result in a software application compatible with the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch (hereafter termed "iOS devices") which addresses several aspects of prosodic deficits common in speakers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and other communication disorders, using a developmentally appropriate, intuitive interface that requires little technical skill and which can be managed by educators and parents. The program will contain elements that aid in tracking and maintaining individual student progress records, and will be designed for use in the classroom, at home, and in other environments. This study's intended focus is on the feasibility and usability of the software application.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
A specialized iPad application, entitled SpeechPrompts, has been developed to treat prosodic difficulties commonly seen in ASDs. SpeechPrompts provides the SLPs that work with students with ASDs an additional tool to treat prosody. The SpeechPrompts software offers visual support and biofeedback to change prosody. These two tools are not typically available for school-based SLPs.
Yale Child Study Center
New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Learning of software
Assessment of Outcome: Each speech-language pathologist (SLP) will complete a software training then take a post-training online assessment measuring software competency.
Time frame: 3 months
Usability of software
Assessment of Outcome: SLPs will complete satisfaction surveys and attend a focus group to obtain information regarding software usability.
Time frame: 3 months
Student engagement in treatment
Assessment of Outcome: SLPs will rate the student's engagement using a rating scale after each treatment session with the iPad and software.
Time frame: 3 months
Software effectiveness
Assessment of Outcome: SLPs will rate student participants' prosody before and after iPad treatment using a specialized rubric to measure changes in speech production.
Time frame: 3 months
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