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Clear Masks Do Not Prevent Gains During Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing Treatment: An Explanatory Sequential
Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel1, Elizabeth Murray2,3, Shelley L Velleman4
1Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) therapy for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) remains effective even when clear masks are worn. While masks presented minor inconvenience, they did not significantly hinder treatment gains or the overall therapy experience.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Pediatric Communication Disorders
- Evidence-Based Interventions
Background:
- Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) requires effective, evidence-based treatments.
- Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) is a recognized therapy for CAS.
- The impact of mask-wearing on DTTC efficacy was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of DTTC treatment for CAS with clear vinyl masks.
- To assess the impact of mask-wearing on therapy experience for clinicians and caregivers.
Main Methods:
- Sequential mixed methods design with a multiple-baseline across-participants approach.
- DTTC treatment provided over 8 weeks with participants and clinicians wearing clear masks.
- Quantitative assessment of whole word accuracy and generalization; qualitative interviews with clinicians and caregivers.
Main Results:
- Two of three participants showed significant treatment gains; one demonstrated generalization.
- The third participant exhibited marginal treatment gains.
- Qualitative themes: masks were inconvenient but did not prevent gains; in-person therapy with masks was preferred over teletherapy.
Conclusions:
- Clear masks did not prohibit treatment gains in DTTC therapy for CAS.
- Mask-wearing was a minor inconvenience, not substantially interfering with DTTC efficacy.
- DTTC remains a viable treatment option for CAS even with mask usage.