Clinical Research Directory

Broad Target Speech Recasts (BTSR) is a speech intervention technique in which an adult immediately recasts a child's incorrect articulation by providing a corrected version of the word in a naturalistic, meaningful context. Unlike traditional articulation therapy, which focuses on isolated sound drills, BTSR integrates correction seamlessly into conversation without requiring the child to repeat or imitate the model. This approach is rooted in principles of implicit learning, where repeated exposure to accurate speech models facilitates phonological development over time. BTSR differs from traditional minimal pair or phonetic placement techniques in that it does not involve explicit instruction or direct prompts for self-correction. Instead, it provides high-frequency, naturalistic exposure to correct phoneme production within functional language use.

Traditional Speech Therapy is clinician-led and includes structured, drill-based approaches. Techniques such as placement cues, direct feedback, and reinforcement are used to help children achieve correct articulation. The structured nature of this approach is often more effective in remediating persistent speech errors than parent-implemented strategies alone. This study examines whether the combination of parent-implemented BTSR and clinician-led traditional articulation therapy leads to improved speech sound production and long-term maintenance of correct articulation in elementary-aged DHH children.