Generative AI Applications in Helping Children with Speech Language Issues

Abstract

This paper reports how generative AI can help children with specific language impairment (SLI) issues by developing an AI-assisted tool to support children with challenges in phonological development in English, especially children with English as the secondary language in the United States. Children from bilingual families often experience challenges in developing proficiency in English pronunciation and communication, which has been exacerbated by remote learning during the pandemic and led to learning loss. School-aged children with speech problems require timely intervention because children with language disorders find it difficult to communicate with others, leading to social isolation and academic difficulties. The needed intervention is often delayed due to the high cost of speech services and the shortage of Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs). Individuals with a history of SLI have an increased risk of unemployment. An AI-assisted Phonological Development (AI-PD) tool was prototyped, aiming to alleviate these challenges by assisting caregivers in evaluating children's phonological development, assisting SLPs in lesson preparation, and mitigating the severe shortage of SLPs.