In this post, I will answer 10 questions parents have about teletherapy. Teletherapy is not for everyone but it works for a vast majority of the children I see in my practice.
Teletherapy overcomes barriers like busy work schedules, long commutes and inconvenient appointment times. It allows parents and therapists access to flexible scheduling without sacrificing the quality of therapy that is provided to the child. You are not “locked” into selecting a speech therapist in your area which opens the doors for access to specialists in speech sound disorders, auditory processing, and autism to name a few.
10 Frequently Asked Teletherapy Questions
- Is teletherapy just as good as traditional therapy?
- Studies have proven that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating language disorders and speech-sound disorders.
- How do you do a speech therapy session online?
- The same activities that are done in person are completed online through using digital books, digital flashcards and interactive therapy games.
- Do I need special equipment?
- You need a computer or laptop with a camera, microphone, and speakers. Most computers have a built-in camera, speakers and a microphone. The setup for teletherapy sessions is simple and takes just a few seconds after the initial setup process.
- Is my child the right age for teletherapy?
- Children age 4 and up are great candidates for teletherapy. The younger they are, the more hands-on assistance they will need during each session. Older children can use a computer independently with minimal assistance. In my experience, the ideal age group is 5 and up because at this point, kids have better attention and a better understanding of online speech therapy tasks.
- How will I be involved in the therapy process?
- If you are at home at the time of your child’s appointment you can sit beside him or her and be part of our therapy session. You can also watch from a distance if that works better for your family. At your request, snippets of the therapy session can be recorded and emailed for later viewing. Homework assignments are online and parents are encouraged to help their children complete the homework.
- Is using a computer going to be a distraction?
- Using a computer is motivating and engaging. Children are often able to pay attention during therapy tasks for longer periods of time than during in-person sessions.
- Will my child be exposed to too much “screen time?”
- No, during the therapy session your child is engaged in meaningful interactions with his or her therapist.
- How long are the teletherapy sessions?
- Just like in-person therapy, the frequency, and duration vary on a case-by-case basis. Typically, sessions occur twice a week for 30 minutes.
- Are the sessions being recorded?
- Sessions are occasionally recorded but only with written consent. These recordings are securely stored and provided to the family for education purposes and continuity of care.
- Are the sessions private and confidential?
- We use encrypted, HIPAA compliant software. Client information is confidential and kept private as mandated by law.
Do you think teletherapy could be a good fit for your child?
Online speech and language therapy is easy to set-up, engaging, fun and effective. Your child can participate in therapy while at home with you, at his or her grandparent’s home and while on summer vacation.
