Research in Speech Disorders

The DIVA and GODIVA models were developed with the goal of providing mechanistic interpretations for neurological disorders of speech production. In collaborations with researchers in the communication disorders, we have performed a number of modeling and experimental studies to provide insights into speech disorders including stuttering, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, pediatric motor speech disorders, speech impairments in autism, and locked-in syndrome (see Publications below). The schematic that follows indicates speech disorders associated with damage to components of the DIVA model.

Figure_10-1

Locations of damage associated with speech motor disorders (adapted from Guenther, 2016, Chapter 10). AD: ataxic dysarthria. AOS: apraxia of speech. FD: flaccid dysarthria. HoD: hypokinetic dysarthria. HrD: hyperkinetic dysarthria. SD: spastic dysarthria. SMAS: supplementary motor area syndrome.

Publications