Evidence Based Therapy Tool for Clinical Speech-language Pathologists

Background

• Problem: There is a substantial research-practice gap within the field of speech pathology due to constraints, such as a lack of time and difficulty in translating research protocols, that have led practitioners to rely on long-standing, outdated practices.
• Solution: An innovative and time-saving AI tool that increases the use of evidence-based practices in speech-language pathology.
• Unique value proposition: The AI tool will incorporate research-based therapy targets and approaches that are completely individualized to each client.

Technology Overview

There are numerous barriers to implementing the latest evidence-based research findings into clinical practice in the field of speech-language pathology. However, there is a significant need for a solution to help bridge this gap and improve outcomes for children.

Indiana University researchers are developing a generative AI tool that will generate evidence-based therapy materials for speech-language pathologists. The AI tool allows clinicians to generate downloadable therapy materials quickly and easily for clients by inputting basic information about the client including the target speech sound, the client’s age, and interests. The therapy materials will include both age-appropriate stories that incorporate words scientifically demonstrated to facilitate learning and images that are individualized for each client’s therapy goals and personal interests. The application could also be used by parents to generate materials for home practice.

SpeechCraft.AI will focus on intervention for speech sound disorders in children as an initial test case, as these disorders are some of the most common communication disorders diagnosed in children with estimates of 8-9% of young children presenting with a speech-sound disorder.

Lead PI for 2024‑125 technology: Tessa Bent

Benefits

• Increases the use of evidence-based practices in speech-language pathology
• Increases client engagement and efficacy of therapy

Applications

• Artificial intelligence
• Speech-language pathology

Opportunity

This technology is open to feedback