CSS and children: Research results and future directions

Currently, many computer-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems use speech output, either synthesized or digitized speech. The goal of this chapter is to provide a review of the research to date on computerized synthesized speech (CSS) with children. Information on the intelligibility and comprehension of CSS for children is presented, and the variables that may affect these, including context, speech rate, age of the child, the language(s) spoken by the listener, experience with CSS, and background noise. Each of these factors and the research support with child participants are discussed. The intelligibility of digitized speech is also discussed. Additionally, this chapter will address the attitudes and preferences of children regarding CSS, as well as hypotheses about the role that CSS may play for children with significant communication disabilities that require AAC. Finally, future research priorities are presented.