Makin Lauren, Smith Elizabeth, Hedge Craig, Sumner Petroc, Powell Georgie
Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2025 Apr 17:1-12. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2025.2491636.
A record number of children are experiencing speech difficulties. This study explored whether mainstream smart speakers can support speech practice, and assesses a proposed five-factor model for how these improvements occur, based on: spaced learning, immediate feedback, autonomous motivation, reduced social barriers, and increased social interactions.
We conducted a mixed-methods feasibility study with 11 families of children with speech difficulties. Data included pre- and post-trial speech recordings (rated by 24 naïve raters), activity logs, post-trial surveys for parents and children, and parent interviews. We assessed device use, changes in speech clarity, alignment with the proposed 5-factor model, and barriers.
Children used smart speakers on average once daily for approximately 6 commands. Speech clarity ratings improved post-exposure and improvements correlated with device use. Parents noted children spoke more slowly and loudly to the device. Both parent and child reports reflected the 5-factor model, with children showing motivation, spaced engagement, and willingness to repeat commands.
Naturalistic use of smart speakers is an acceptable and feasible tool to support speech practice in children with speech difficulties. Parents viewed smart speakers as a useful complement to formal therapy, though frustration when not understood remains a factor for implementation.
出现言语困难的儿童数量创下了纪录。本研究探讨了主流智能音箱是否能够支持言语练习，并基于间隔学习、即时反馈、自主动机、减少社交障碍和增加社交互动，评估了一个关于这些改善如何发生的拟议五因素模型。
我们对11个有言语困难儿童的家庭进行了一项混合方法可行性研究。数据包括试验前和试验后的言语录音（由24名不知情的评分者评分）、活动日志、试验后对家长和儿童的调查以及家长访谈。我们评估了设备使用情况、言语清晰度的变化、与拟议的五因素模型的一致性以及障碍。
儿童平均每天使用智能音箱约6次指令。接触后言语清晰度评分有所提高，且改善情况与设备使用相关。家长指出，孩子们对设备说话时语速更慢、声音更大。家长和儿童的报告均反映了五因素模型，儿童表现出积极性、间隔参与度以及重复指令的意愿。
自然地使用智能音箱是支持言语困难儿童进行言语练习的一种可接受且可行的工具。家长将智能音箱视为正规治疗的有益补充，不过当设备无法理解指令时产生的挫败感仍是实施过程中的一个因素。
