Introducing the Beatalk Technique: Using Beatbox Sounds and Rhythms to Improve Speech Characteristics of Adults with Intellectual Disability

Autor/in	Icht, Michal
Titel	Introducing the Beatalk Technique: Using Beatbox Sounds and Rhythms to Improve Speech Characteristics of Adults with Intellectual Disability
Quelle	In: International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 54 (2019) 3, S.401-416 (16 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Icht, Michal)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1368-2822
DOI	10.1111/1460-6984.12445
Schlagwörter	Language Rhythm; Intellectual Disability; Acoustics; Speech Impairments; Motivation Techniques; Speech Therapy; Intervention; Music; Teaching Methods; Phonemes; Outcomes of Treatment; Accuracy; Articulation (Speech); Verbal Communication + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Sprachrhythmus; Intellect; Disability; Disabilities; Verstand; Behinderung; Akustik; Speech impairment; Speech handicap; Speech handicaps; Language handicps; Language impairments; Sprachbehinderung; Motivationsförderung; Entwicklungsproximale Sprachtherapie; Logotherapie; Musik; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Fonem
Abstract	Background: Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) often demonstrate speech impairments and reduced intelligibility. However, traditional treatment methods, which involve using repetitive verbal and non-verbal exercises, may not be fully suitable for this population. As adults with ID tend to lose interest and motivation facing the demands of a typical speech therapy session, other intervention methods are needed. The current study tested a novel intervention technique, Beatalk, based on practising vocally produced sounds and rhythms, imitating the sounds produced by rhythm machines in an a cappella musical context (i.e., human beatboxing). Human beatboxing may be a particularly effective tool since it involves intense production of speech sounds (phonemes) that can be misarticulated in the presence of speech disorders; it is relatively easy to learn and practice, and is also considered 'fun'. Aims: As many of the features of beatboxing make it a promising method for speech therapy, this pioneering study aimed to examine its effectiveness in comparison with a traditional speech therapy. Methods & Procedures: Twelve adults with moderate ID and low speech intelligibility (age 24-48 years) participated in a speech therapy group for 6 weeks. Six participants were assigned to the Beatalk (study) group and six to a traditional (control) therapy group. Pre- to post-treatment changes in speech intelligibility and voice measures were assessed. Outcomes & Results: The preliminary data demonstrate that both types of therapy groups resulted in improved performance in articulation accuracy and voice measures, yet the Beatalk technique yielded larger gains. Conclusions & Implications: The results present initial evidence for the beneficial effect of the Beatalk technique as an intervention tool for adults with ID. It is an easy-to-use technique in the context of speech therapy, and may enhance verbal communication skills in this population. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01