When the Pandemic started last spring, we switched from classroom-based face-to-face learning to online school format overnight. It was a challenging transition for all. I admire the teachers who made it happen to serve all their students in a virtual setting with limited time to prepare.
I happened to join the teletherapy committee of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) shortly before the beginning of the Pandemic. I was fortunate to be aware of the teletherapy before having to implement it. Any change comes with criticisms and challenges. Also, "virtual learning classroom" and "speech teletherapy" are different. One teacher and the entire class are in the virtual learning classrooms, wheres speech teletherapy is one-on-one or a small group. According to many Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), virtual learning did not go too well last year. However, the outcomes of speech teletherapy are not the same as the virtual learning classrooms. Here are some of the notable secrets of speech teletherapy success.
Online Speech Therapy for Kids:
* Speech teletherapy sessions are customized and individualized to your child's unique interests and needs.
* We are flexible and address goals in a way where your child has fun and learns.
* Speech therapy time is short (for example, 30 min, 45 min, or 60 min) based on the time needed to address specific goals in a structured setting. We set the therapy time based on the individual, and we work with your child at their level.
* Speech teletherapy sessions invite parents to be a part of the team without overwhelming the child. It is often intimidating or distracting for a child to have a parent in a face-to-face therapy room. In contrast, it is natural for a child to sit with a parent at home when the speech therapist is on a screen. With teletherapy, parents can see the children in action without potentially distracting them. By attending the sessions with children, parents can learn to reinforce the therapy activities the same way as the speech therapists.
* We can pivot if we need to. With teletherapy, therapists have all the tools and alternative materials right next to them. If things are not going as the therapist planned or your child is not engaged, the therapists can use different materials to address each unique situation.
* Children love coming to speech therapy because they enjoy personalized attention. One of the best parts of my job as a tele-SLP is hearing children ask when they can see me again. It's a joy to watch them love to learn and have fun while they do it.
Online Speech Therapy for Adults:
* With speech therapy online, you don't have to leave home. It is convenient. Your loved one does not have to travel or sit in traffic to see the therapist.
* Feeling tired or sick? You can still log on for your speech at the time of session without having to worry. Need to cancel? No problem. We will see you when you're feeling better.
* Connecting online means that we can address your goals from the comfort of your home.
* Through online speech and myofunctional therapy, you can see and learn how to use the necessary tools by closely observing the therapist.
* It is simple – All you need is a computer, reliable Internet, and a quiet place to work.
* Research has shown that online speech therapy yields the same or similar results as in-person therapy.