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Using a Speech-Generating Device to Support Communication in Childhood Dementia
Sponsor: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Summary
Individuals with childhood dementia experience loss of developmental skills and many have limited verbal speech. The aim of this clinical trial is to examine how well a speech-generating device supports the communication skills of participants with childhood dementia. The speech-generating device is a communication program loaded onto an iPad. This is a crossover trial, meaning that each participant will receive both the treatment (device) and a control (usual care; no device) phase. The order in which each participant receives the device versus the usual care (no device) will depend on which group the participant is assigned to. The changes in communication in each phase will then be compared. During the trial, participants can expect to complete a series of assessments and attend a total of 2 x 1-hour therapy session per week for 6 weeks.
Official title: A Randomized Cross-over Trial Examining the Efficacy of Implementing a Speech-generating Device for Childhood Dementia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
3 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
38
Start Date
2025-11-03
Completion Date
2027-05
Last Updated
2025-11-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Speech-generating device
The device is an iPad loaded with a grid-based and speech-generating communication application - a suitable application for the participant is determined at the beginning of the trial. This device is used in all 12 therapy sessions and implemented by a qualified speech pathologist in a natural, play-based setting.
Control
Participants will continue their current model of care. This means that if participants are receiving speech therapy locally, they may continue to do so given that no speech-generating device is introduced or used during this time. Participants will check in with the researching clinician at least once a week via telehealth or phone call - the aim is to stay in contact with families and reduce loss to follow-up. The clinician will also monitor treatment integrity and document any differences that may be present during this phase.
Locations (1)
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia