Comparison of the computer-aided articulation therapy application with printed material in children with speech sound disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to develop an iPad application for computer-aided articulation therapy called the Turkish Articulation Therapy Application (TARTU), and make comparisons between the efficacy of TARTU and printed material.

METHOD: A single subject research design, adapted alternating treatments model, was used for this purpose. The study was carried out with 2 children, at the age of 5; 1 and 5; 11, both of whom have a speech sound disorder. The comparison between TARTU and printed material effectiveness was compared for three target sounds (/k/, /ʃ/ and /l/). 12 therapy sessions were carried out three times a week using the behavioural approach. One participant received therapy targeting the sound /k/ using TARTU, while printed material used for the sound /ʃ/. The targeted sounds were switched for the second participant. Sound /l/ was left without any intervention.

RESULT: The target sound met the criterion with TARTU in one participant, and with printed material in the other participant.

CONCLUSION: The presentation type of the materials did not play an important role in the success of the therapy on the participants.