Online speech therapy also known as teletherapy or telepractice is a method of getting help with speaking and communication through video calls with a trained Speech-language Pathologist(SLP) / Speech Therapist. It’s just like in-person speech therapy, but done from home using a computer, tablet, or phone. This makes it easy and convenient for kids and adults to improve their speech and language skills.
Online speech therapy can benefit children and adults who have trouble with speaking, understanding, or communicating. It helps individuals with speech delays, stuttering, autism, speech sound disorders, and more. With live video sessions, an SLP provides personalized support to improve communication skills.
Virtual speech therapy sessions take place over live video calls, like a Zoom or Google Meet. During the session, the therapist uses fun activities, games, and exercises to help improve speech and communication skills. Sessions are personalized and interactive, making learning easy and engaging from home.
For online speech therapy, you need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection. Most sessions take place on the easy-to-use platform Zoom. A webcam and microphone (built into most devices) help ensure clear communication with the therapist.
Yes, research shows that online speech therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for most children and adults. It provides the same personalized support, interactive activities, and expert guidance, all from the comfort of home.
We treat a wide range of speech and language difficulties in children and adults. This includes speech delays, stuttering, trouble saying certain sounds, autism-related communication challenges, and difficulties with understanding or using language. Our therapy also helps with social skills, voice disorders, and speech issues after injury or illness.
Speech therapy can help at any age, but the earlier, the better. Babies as young as 18 months, toddlers, and young children benefit from early intervention, but older kids and even adults can improve their communication skills with the right support. No matter the age, speech therapy is tailored to each person’s needs to help them communicate better.
Yes, Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in speech therapy sessions. Being involved helps you learn strategies to support your child’s communication at home and reinforce progress. Our therapists provide guidance and simple activities so you can continue helping your child outside of sessions.
Yes, we provide speech therapy for children with autism to help them communicate better. Our approach includes techniques like play-based speech therapy, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support language development.
The time it takes to see progress in speech therapy depends on the child’s needs, how consistently they attend the therapy sessions, how often they practice, and the severity of the challenge. Some children show improvement in a few months, while others may need longer to build their communication skills. Consistent therapy and regular practice at home helps speed up progress.
There is plenty of research to prove that online speech therapy is effective.Some of the studies carried out are listed below.
An Investigation of the Efficacy of Speech-Language Interventions with Students with ASD Using Telepractice, a study at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2009 provided empirical evidence which suggested that telepractice service delivery method is an effective and valid way to provide interventions to students with ASD.
A Pilot Exploration of Speech Sound Disorder Intervention Delivered by Teleheath to School-Age Children, a study in the International Journal of Telerehabilitation in 2011 indicates that live interactive videoconferencing appears to be a viable method for delivering intervention for speech sound disorders.
The Efficacy of Telehealth-Delivered Speech and Language Intervention for Primary School-Age Children: A Systematic Review, in the International Journal of Telerehabilitation in 2017 showed no significant difference between teletherapy and traditional in-person therapy for primary school aged children with speech and language challenges. The study did show a significant change in test scores from pre- to post intervention for both groups, so both groups made significant and similar progress during intervention.
Do Patients Treated for Voice Therapy With Telepractice Show Similar Changes in Voice Outcome Measures as Patients Treated Face-To-Face? by Rangarathnam, B., Gilroy, H., et al. (2016) reviewed studies that addressed treatments such as Lee Silverman Voice Therapy, confidential voice or vocal function exercises, vocal hygiene, flow phonation exercises, relaxation exercises, and Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy. Evidence supported comparable treatment effectiveness for service delivery methods (telepractice and face-to-face).
Telehealth and Autism: A Systematic Search and Review of the Literature by Sutherland, R., Trembath, D., et al. (2018) in the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology suggests that there may be a range of benefits in using intervention using telehealth to individuals with [autism spectrum disorder] ASD, their families and teachers. Results indicated overall positive outcomes for intervention delivered via telehealth sessions.
Telepractice for Adult Speech-Language Pathology Services: A Systematic Review by Weidner, K., & Lowman, J. (2020) is a review of published, peer-reviewed studies investigating the use of speech-language pathology services delivered via telepractice for adult populations (e.g., aphasia, dysphagia, traumatic brain injury).For individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, five studies investigating the provision of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD via remote videoconferencing service delivery reported generally comparable results to in-person sessions.
Online speech therapy is effective for children with autism as just like in-person therapy, it involves direct intervention with the child as well as educating the parents to become significant partners in their child’s communication journey. The first step in the intervention for autism is parental education. If parents understand all the characteristics of autism and how a neurodivergent mind works, this helps them stimulate the child in the right way. Online therapy first focuses on educating parents about the child’s sensory needs and problems arising from communication difficulties. Parents are then taught simple strategies to make the child cooperate with them. Along with this, the speech pathologists will work on rapport building and use different communication strategies with the child.
Early detection and intervention can give children a good start. 70% of children with communication difficulties may outgrow this problem, but 30% will need some form of intervention. There is no way to determine whether your child falls in the 70% range or not. So its safer to start early intervention instead of waiting and watching.
By 3 years of age, around 80% of brain development is completed in children. During this period, brain plasticity is highest, and this is a critical period for learning language. Intervention provided during this period leads to faster speech and language development when compared to intervention provided later on.
Intervention for clarity of speech and fluency involves plenty of repeated practice at home. The outcomes of therapy depend mainly on the consistency in attending therapy sessions and the amount of practice done each day. Online therapy makes it easier for clients to attend therapy consistently. Hence online mode of therapy for speech clarity and fluency issues have very good outcomes.