To validate the automatic speech recognition system that will be developed in Project 4, speech movements and acoustic data from typically developing children and children with a SSD will be required. To facilitate acquisition of the data independently, an online speech recorder will be developed and trialled. The basis of the recorder will be a computer with a camera and microphone running the app. Features of the system proposed for development include:

Selectable recording of video and audio, or audio alone

Selectable camera or cameras

Selectable microphone

Presentation (sequential) of words and phrases from established word lists

Recorded video and audio, or audio alone, that can be utilised by the Online Probe Word List and Scoring Form

The probe words developed by Hayden and validated by Namasivayam et al (see Project 2) will also be used in Projects 3 and 4. To facilitate their use, an online scoring form was developed. This form allows the user to review recorded video and/or audio and score the observed movements and phonetic complexity of the 40 words and 4 phrases. The screen display for each word enables S-LPs to tick boxes, enter phonetic text, and make explanatory or notable comments. This information is then used to generate the score for each word and phrase, and displays total scores and relative scores for each category of words and phrases. The S-LP can then select a priority for speech intervention. All aspects of the form are saved in a .json file. This file is created and enhanced as the S-LP progresses through the form and can be saved at any stage, and reloaded for review purposes. It can be imported into a spreadsheet for further examination.