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

The Short- and Long-Term Effects and Cost-Effectiveness of High-Intensity Versus Low-Intensity Speech Intervention in Children With Phonological Speech Sound Disorders.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 4 and 12 years
• Presence of at least one phonological speech sound disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of a language disorder
• Presence of hearing disorders
• Presence of neurological or neuromuscular disorders
• Presence of craniofacial anomalies (e.g., a cleft palate)