AI-Integrated Virtual Reality Speech Therapy in Children With Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders can affect intelligibility, learning, participation, and communication in children. This completed randomized controlled trial evaluated AI-Integrated Virtual Reality Speech Therapy (AI-IVR-ST) against conventional speech therapy in children aged 5 to 12 years with articulation and/or phonological disorders. Sixty-four children were randomized equally to two groups and received treatment three times per week for 12 weeks. The principal efficacy outcome was Percentage of Consonants Correct (PCC). Additional outcomes included GFTA-3, PPVT-4, therapy engagement and adherence, FACES III, and ASHA NOMS.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 5 to 12 years. * Confirmed articulation disorder and/or phonological disorder diagnosed by a qualified speech-language pathologist. * Ability to follow simple verbal instructions. * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing. * Written caregiver consent and age-appropriate child assent where applicable. * Availability to participate throughout the 12-week intervention period. Exclusion Criteria: * Autism spectrum disorder. * Cerebral palsy. * Intellectual disability. * Hearing impairment incompatible with study assessment. * Cleft lip and/or palate. * Neurological disorders affecting speech. * Severe behavioural disorders that prevented participation. * Intensive speech therapy during the preceding three months. * Medical conditions that prevented safe participation in the intervention.