AI development of self-supervised fluency therapy for people who stammer: micro-randomisation haptic feedback research study

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Up to 3% of the population stammers (British Stammering Association, 2019). This condition can have distressing symptoms that deeply affect social and professional interactions and can define the life choices of those People Who Stammer (PWS): 60% of PWS suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) (McAllister et al., 2017). Even if it is not currently possible to cure stammering, once it is established in adulthood, there exist a series of practices that, when mastered, help PWS to gain fluency levels similar to those of people who don't stammer.For many PWS, the largest problem is not learning the techniques themselves, but turning these practices into habits, as this requires patience and support with ongoing practice. We believe that technology can help in this endeavour: BeneTalk is the first wearable device, which helps People Who Stammer (PWS) to establish and maintain fluency enhancing techniques learned in the initial therapy process. This is achieved through a novel application of digital technologies that enable the first implementation of an out-of-the-clinic therapy, supported by real-time feedback and performance history tracking. As a treatment centred on a wearable device, BeneTalk emerges as a new product linked to an innovative digital service that helps PWS to be in control of their own therapy. BeneTalk delivers a long-awaited solution to an old therapeutic problem with the potential to demonstrate significant step-changes in efficacy, speed and cost. BeneTalk acts as a virtual coach for PWS; as a therapeutic tool for speech and language therapists (SLTs); and a scientific instrument. We have filed a patent for the innovative technology behind BeneTalk as it is the first of its kind. Detailed information about BeneTalk can be found on [www.benetalk.com][0].This project will validate BeneTalk using scientific and technical evidence, enabling the British Stammering Association (BSA) to endorse BeneTalk therapy as valid and close contact with PWS will help us to better understand commercial requirements. Consequently, BeneTalk will be in a stronger position to raise private funding and commercialise the product.This project will enable the University of Reading (UoR) to publish the results of the first out-of-the-clinic real-time feedback assisted fluency therapy. Publications will be based on an unprecedented quantity and variety of data that may redirect future fluency research.[0]: http://www.benetalk.com/