Bots for Speech: what AI can and can’t do

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday parenting, including how families support speech and language development. At Speakable, we’re cautiously optimistic about the power of these new tools. 

Platforms like ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini, properly supervised by informed adults, can generate educational materials instantly, raising a natural question: how much can AI actually contribute to therapy?

The answer is nuanced. AI can often be useful but it operates within clear limits, and understanding those limits helps families use new tech effectively without relying on it in ways that may be unhelpful, or even counterproductive.

What AI can do for speech

AI is particularly effective at generating structured content. Parents can create exercises based both on their interests and the manner in which they prefer to learn. For example:

• Create simple stories tailored to a child’s interests.
• Produce targeted word lists for articulation.
• Build fill-in-the-blank exercises for grammar practice.

These customized exercises reduce preparation time and make it easier to maintain consistency between sessions, especially for busy families.

What AI can’t do

AI cannot assess, diagnose or design individualized treatment plans. Speech therapy relies on ongoing observation and adaptation, responding to attention, behaviour and communication attempts in real time.

AIs are not human, and the subtleties of spoken conversation are not where Large Language Models excel. Outsourcing speech therapy to AI models is strictly forbidden by professional orders, and considered clinical malpractice.

AIs cannot replace clinical judgment. Outputs require review to ensure they are appropriate, functional and aligned with a child’s specific goals.

Why human relationships matter

Language development is inherently social. It depends on interaction, turn-taking, shared attention, emotional feedback — all of which occur in real relationships.

Therapy is dynamic and responsive. Clinicians adjust their support moment by moment, based on far more than words alone. This includes non-verbal cues, engagement, and the child’s intent.

AI can support the process, but it cannot replace the relational foundation on which communication is built. 

One of the challenges in modern speech therapy is keeping kids away from screens. Using AI to enhance therapy without increasing your or your child’s screen time is the goal.

About Speakable Speech & Language

Founded in 2013 by Tamara Paull, M.Sc., SLP(C), Speakable Speech & Language provides both in-person and virtual speech therapy to Canadians of all ages. Our team is composed of clinicians in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) or l’Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ). Our staff are dedicated to delivering sessions that are engaging and therapeutic, designed to meet each individual’s unique needs while fostering confidence and communication skills.