Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, and Automation in Speech-Language Pathology: Integrating Technology Into Clinical Practice

Emerging technologies have impacted the field of speech-language pathology (SLP) profoundly. The current mainstream availability of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Reality (XR) and automation presents a unique opportunity to reshape clinical practice by creating more efficient, personalized clinical approaches, and dynamic intervention tools. Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, and Automation in Speech-Language Pathology: Integrating Technology Into Clinical Practice provides practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with a foundational understanding of how these innovative tools are transforming the field, providing actionable guidance and a wealth of resources for practitioners, while emphasizing the need to keep ethical and practical considerations at the forefront of integration and application. This text is a practical and comprehensive guide for practicing clinicians.

Offering an extensive overview of cutting-edge technologies, this first-of-its-kind book focuses on the integration of AI, XR, and automation in clinical services, and via telepractice, as well as the application of these tools in the context of assessment, intervention, workload management, and consultation services. This text enhances clinical practices by presenting practical guidelines, case examples, and illustrative information, equipping readers to leverage these technologies today, and offering insights into future developments and clinical possibilities. 

This unique combination of up-to-date information, guidelines for practical application, and future-oriented perspectives makes this text an essential resource for SLPs, ensuring that readers are equipped with both knowledge and skills, preparing them for the evolving landscape of their clinical field.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage of Cutting-Edge Technologies: This text covers AI, XR, and automation, and how these innovative technologies are and can be applicated in speech-language pathology. 
• Practical Application and Real-World Examples: This book goes beyond theoretical discussions and provides actionable guidance for implementing these technologies in clinical settings through case studies and real-world examples.
• Focus on Ethical and Practical Considerations: This book addresses critical ethical and practical considerations unique to each technology, covering topics such as privacy, data security, and integration challenges.
• Resource Accessibility and Comprehensive Guide: This book is designed to be a one-stop resource for practicing clinicians, providing foundational theories, insights, and practical resources for SLPs.
• Future-Oriented Insights: Each section of the book ends with a forward-looking perspective, discussing future advancements in the respective technologies and their potential impact on speech-language pathology.

PluralPlus Online Ancillaries

• Downloadable Checklists: Ready-to-use checklists for technology implementation in various clinical settings.
• Webinars and Lectures: Recorded videos discussing key topics from the book and current trends in speech-language pathology technology.
• Software and App Recommendations: Lists of recommended software, apps, and tools for speech-language pathology practice.

Reviews

“The book lists current, up-to date research and is written by individuals with an expert level of knowledge on the topic. There are good ethical discussions throughout (The “Take Your Ethical Temperature” was engaging as a reader). Chapter 1 and 16 were especially memorable. There are also good practical case studies (Chapters 7, 10, and 13) that apply these concepts in a way that SLPs will understand. The book gives a strong mix of technical and practical information on AI. I do appreciate the deep dives in technical language (Chapters 6 and 9), because this can be hard to find on the internet in regards to speech-language pathology. It also provides a good mindset for using AI, regardless of where it goes in the future. There are also good clinical examples. I also like the wide variety of authors and how the chapters go over many different topics. Any SLP who is interested in starting to use AI to help support their clinical practice would benefit from reading this comprehensive book.”
—Sarah Bishop, MA, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District

“Well-suited for both SLP training programs and experienced clinicians. The clear explanations of complex concepts, combined with practical examples, make it an invaluable resource for those looking to understand the impact of technology and AI on clinical practices. The book's attention to ethical and cultural considerations is particularly commendable, as it addresses the broader implications of AI in the field. […] The book is much needed, addressing a critical need for the SLP profession. It integrates recent research, providing a solid foundation for understanding of technology and AI's impact on clinical practices.”
—Dean Sutherland, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Canterbury

“The book provides an excellent outline of AI and its potential for SLPs at any phase of their career. The text is well written, and easy to follow, even for someone with limited background in AI.”
—Kimberly Ho, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCBA, LABA, Assistant Clinical Professor, Northeastern University

“This book discusses highly relevant content related to the quick growth of technology and the addition of AI as well as XR, VR, AR and MR. In addition to explaining how these tools can benefit clinicians and clinical care, there is an in-depth discussion on how AI needs to meet compliancy requirements set by medical protections such as HIPAA, cultural and linguistic differences, as well as addresses concerns related to false interpretations or AI hallucinations that affect accuracy information. Additionally, the authors consistently remind the reader of ethical considerations and quote the ASHA Code of Ethics Standards, while also providing recommendations and a framework to solve issues that affect implementation of AI in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. […] The explanations of AI as well as XR, VR, AR and MR throughout the book, highlight the benefits of using these tools while also addressing their current weaknesses and potential risks. For individuals who really don’t understand how all of these tools work, this is a great book.”
—Laura E. Smith, MA, CCC-SLP, TSHH, Clinical Director and Clinical Associate Professor, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

“The technical chapters describing the vocabulary of AI and VR/AR were easy to digest without being overly complicated. I think this book provides a good basis of knowledge for working with AI. It would be a great resource for someone looking to incorporate AI and other technologies into their clinical and administrative practice. It would also be a great book for universities to use to train upcoming SLPS.”
—Kristin Testani, MS, CCC-SLP, SDL