Date of Award
Fall 2024
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Kathryn Greenslade
Second Advisor
Molly Beiting
Third Advisor
Kirrie Ballard
Abstract
This single subject design study provides an initial exploration of using Say Bananas toprovide motor learning-based intervention for children with childhood apraxia of speech. By implementing an app-based home practice intervention tool to support traditional speech sound disorder treatment, specifically the Treatment for Establishing Motor Program Organization (TEMPO), it was designed to treat speech sound disorders by implementing exercises using a more engaging platform. We tested the performance of three different children diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech. Each child used the app as a modality of home practice five days a week for four weeks in addition to their regularly scheduled intervention with their speech pathologist, in addition to one day each week of parent training sessions to ensure accurate app use. We perceptually analyzed the data and collected qualitative information from participants, their families, and clinicians about their experience using the app. This study offers a novel contribution to the TEMPO evidence base by using real-word stimuli versus conventional pseudoword stimuli. The purpose of this study was to determine if the implementation of Say Bananas as home practice in conjunction with in person intervention would lead to improvements in the speech production in children with childhood apraxia of speech. Additionally, we sought to gain information about the feasibility of the app and the perceptions of the child, family, and clinician of implementing this new modality of home practice while adhering to an intense practice protocol. The results of this study revealed that children made steady gains in speech sound accuracy, lexical stress, and segmentation, thus resulting in improvements in overall speech intelligibility and accuracy. These data support our hypothesis that improvements may be comparable to that of traditional in-person TEMPO intervention. Additionally, we determined the app is feasible to implement as an intensive modality of home practice. Based on feedback provided by participants, families, and speech language pathologists, the app was a successful addition to traditional speech therapy and parties reported they would consider using it in the future. Overall, the data collected in this study provided strong initial support of Say Bananas in the treatment of children with childhood apraxia of speech.
Recommended Citation
Sjostedt, Kate Margaret, "Say Bananas: A Pilot Study On An App-Based Intervention As A Modality Of Home Practice" (2024). Master's Theses and Capstones. 1899.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/1899