Effects of language intervention based on augmented reality for verbal expression in children with expressive language delay

Abstract

Objectives: When learning verbs that represent the movement, this study hypothesized that language intervention based on augmented reality (AR) can be more effective than picture cards and examined what effect AR has on the improving verbal expression of children with delayed expressive-language development. The study developed an application using AR that mixed reality with virtual reality in an application for children with expressive language delay. Methods: The subjects were three children (mean chronological age, 3.6 years) whose expressive language abilities were delayed more than 6 months beyond than their chronological age. Eighty-four goal verbs were presented using AR in a multiple baseline design, along with face-to-face training to improve verbal expressions. Results: Children with expessive language delay showed increased accuracy in verb expression through language intervention based on AR. Additionally, the children generalized their improvements by expressing goal verbs even when they were presented as picture cards. Conclusion: This study shows that language intervention based on AR is effective for improving the verbal expression of children with expressive language delay. Utilizing to represent the movement and status of verbs has positive effects on verbal expression.