Time of day may be key in speech therapy for youth

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-16T21:41:01.009Z • Permanent link

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds new light on the challenges faced by young people with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). CAS is a disorder that affects the brain's ability to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech, resulting in difficulties that can persist well beyond childhood. Dr. Laura Jenkins, a renowned speech-language pathologist at UCLA, led a team of experts who conducted a comprehensive study on the effects of time of day on speech therapy for youth with CAS. Their findings, published in the journal "Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research," suggest that the timing of speech therapy sessions may be a critical factor in improving outcomes for these children.

The study involved 50 children with CAS, aged 4-7 years, who received speech therapy sessions over a period of six months. The researchers divided the children into two groups: one group received speech therapy sessions in the morning, while the other group received sessions in the afternoon. The results showed that the morning group demonstrated significant improvements in speech skills, including articulation, phonology, and language development, compared to the afternoon group. The researchers attribute this difference to the natural circadian rhythms that affect the brain's ability to process and retain information.

The study's findings have significant implications for speech therapy practices, particularly in regions where speech therapy sessions are often scheduled in the afternoons, when children are typically more tired. Dr. Jenkins notes that "the timing of speech therapy sessions can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of treatment. By scheduling sessions in the morning, when children are most alert and focused, we can maximize the benefits of therapy and improve outcomes for children with CAS." The study's results have been hailed as a breakthrough in the field of speech-language pathology, and researchers are already exploring ways to adapt the findings to other populations with speech disorders.

The discovery of the link between time of day and speech therapy outcomes has far-reaching implications for the Data Sources domain. Companies that specialize in speech therapy software and equipment, such as Proloquo2Go and Dynavox, may need to reassess their scheduling strategies to optimize the effectiveness of their products. Research communities, including those focused on autism and other speech disorders, may also need to consider the timing of therapy sessions when designing studies and developing treatment protocols.

The study's findings also have significant implications for policy environments, particularly in regions where speech therapy services are limited or inaccessible. Policymakers may need to consider the timing of speech therapy sessions when allocating resources and developing public health initiatives. For example, scheduling speech therapy sessions in schools or community centers during morning hours may help increase access to services and improve outcomes for children with CAS.

The study's results have also sparked interest among parents and caregivers who are seeking effective treatment options for children with CAS. Dr. Jenkins notes that "parents and caregivers are often the most important advocates for children with CAS, and our study highlights the importance of scheduling speech therapy sessions in a way that maximizes the child's energy and focus." The study's findings have the potential to improve the lives of thousands of children with CAS, and researchers are already exploring ways to adapt the results to other populations with speech disorders.