High-intensity vs Low-intensity Speech Intervention in Children With Phonological Speech Sound Disorders

Summary

Achieving speech that is understandable and acceptable to others is the key outcome in the treatment of phonological speech sound disorders. Therefore, speech therapy provided by a speech-language pathologist is essential. Traditionally, this intervention has been delivered twice per week for 30 minutes, often over the course of several months or even years, by first-line speech-language pathologists. Unfortunately, this low-intensity approach is largely based on historical practice rather than scientific evidence.

The current study aims to provide stronger evidence regarding the optimal intensity of intervention. Specifically, this project will compare the effects of high-intensity and low-intensity speech intervention in children with phonological speech sound disorders in terms of speech outcomes, quality of life, and cost-utility. The interventions will be provided by first-line speech-language pathologists within a large-scale randomized controlled trial. The ultimate goal is to implement this program in clinical practice and raise awareness among stakeholders about its benefits for children with phonological speech sound disorders

Conditions

• Speech Therapy
• Speech Disorders in Children
• Phonological (Speech) Disorder

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

High-intensity combined phonetic-phonological intervention

Children will receive phonological speech therapy supplemented by phonetic principles. A next level will be introduced when the child is able to correctly produce the sound in 80% of the time with minimal cues from the therapist. Multiple errors will be targeted simultaneously by focusing on a process. Child-friendly games will be played to illustrate the contrast between concepts. Exercises will be embedded in meaningful language contexts such as minimal pairs. Therapy will be provided 5 times 30' per week for 2 times 2 weeks.

BEHAVIORAL

Low-intensity combined phonetic-phonological intervention

Children will receive phonological speech therapy supplemented by phonetic principles. A next level will be introduced when the child is able to correctly produce the sound in 80% of the time with minimal cues from the therapist. Multiple errors will be targeted simultaneously by focusing on a process. Child-friendly games will be played to illustrate the contrast between concepts. Exercises will be embedded in meaningful language contexts such as minimal pairs. Therapy will be provided 5 times 30' per week for 10 consecutive weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Ghent

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Kristiane Van Lierde · University Ghent

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

4 Years

Max Age

12 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-11-30

Primary Completion

2027-12-30

Completion

2027-12-30

Countries

• Belgium

Study Locations