Using ultrasound visual feedback to remediate velar fronting in preschool children: A pilot study

ABSTRACT

Anecdotally, velar fronting can be difficult to remediate in some children. This pilot study examined the use of ultrasound visual feedback in remediating velar fronting in typically developing children. A single-case, multiple-baseline across-subjects experimental design was used to examine acquisition, retention and generalisation of velar treatment targets. Two otherwise typically developing children (P1, aged 4;0; P3, aged 4;11) completed the study. The productions of /k/ and /ɡ/ at syllable level were targeted during treatment. P1 improved her productions of /k/ and /ɡ/ at syllable level during the treatment period and achieved correct production at word level during follow-up. P3 made no improvements in his productions of velar targets. This study suggests that ultrasound visual feedback may be an option for remediating velar fronting in some preschoolers. Further study is required.

KEYWORDS:

• Children
• motor learning
• speech therapy
• ultrasound
• velar fronting

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Professor Kirrie Ballard for her useful commentary on an early version of the manuscript.

Declaration of interest

Dr. Preston was supported by NIH grants R03DC012152 (J. Preston, PI) and R01DC013668 (D. Whalen, PI). The authors report no conflict of interest.