The Rise of Online Speech Therapy: How Telepractice is Changing the Game
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) focus on parts of the body above the neck—the ears, eyes, tongue, mouth, and throat—to help those struggling with communication disorders.
Between 5% to 10% of Americans have speech and communication disorders, and the need for this type of therapy is growing exponentially. Speech therapy is vital to improving the lives of millions of Americans living with speech impairments such as aphasia, apraxia, stuttering, speech delay, and autism spectrum disorders, and many companies like Linguabilities offer virtual alternatives to traditional speech therapy.
In this article, we'll explore how online speech therapy is changing things up and helping thousands of clients across the country.
The Rise of Online Speech Therapy
Dr. Gwenyth Vaughn pioneered telepractice. Between 1975 and 1983, her research with US veterans with neurogenic disorders saw patients being tested remotely using a telephone in what she referred to as “Tel-communicology.”
As other researchers adopted her methods, they grew in popularity. In the 1990s, when the Internet came about, they were adapted for more widespread use. The American Speech & Hearing Association formulated strategies for using these methods and evolved a formal definition in 2005.
Today, “telepractice” is a term used to describe remote services delivered to clients by SLP clinicians via the Internet and telecommunication. ASHA prefers this term over “telemedicine” or “telehealth” since it reflects the reality that health care is not the only setting for these services.
According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, the advent of Covid-19 has accelerated remote work trends. With technological advances offering flexibility for both the practitioner and client, not to mention the reduction in costs associated with working remotely, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for telepractice or speech therapy online.
In 2016 about 43% of SLPs had jobs in the educational sector; 20% worked with occupational and speech therapists, while 14% had jobs in hospitals. Nursing and residential care facilities were served by only 5%. Since SLPs don’t necessarily need to see patients in person, online speech therapy can be provided not just for those living in remote locations.
Benefits of Online Speech Therapy
The potential pros and cons of online vs. in-person therapy should be discussed with the clinician so that you can find a good fit when picking a mode of treatment and preparing your child for their sessions.
Convenience
If you live miles away from your therapist’s office or are seeking an SLP who has more expertise in the field of therapy you or your child need than the ones practicing in your area, look no further than telepractice for a speech therapist online. You no longer have to worry about fitting a long round-trip into your already jam-packed schedule.
Braving traffic, getting to your appointment on time, finding parking, and appeasing a grumpy boss are all a thing of the past with telepractice therapy. Moreover, you can explore client reviews and verify that the clinician is certified and licensed as an SLP before booking a session.
More cost-effective
In-person therapy is usually more costly than online speech therapy since the cost of the clinician’s office and staff must be factored in, travel expenses have to be taken into account, and in many cases, sitting in waiting rooms eats into the valuable time taken off work to attend the session. In a difficult economic climate, affordability is an essential consideration for many families.
Easy to use and interactive
Online interactive tools and activities can also be used during therapy sessions. Video chat services like Zoom allow SLPs audio and visual communication with clients. An agenda may be forwarded to the client beforehand so they can prepare any materials needed for the session, such as a favorite book.
Therapy takes place in a familiar environment
Many clients, particularly those with anxiety or autism spectrum disorder, feel more at ease in their home environment than in the practitioner’s office. Online speech therapy offers a less threatening, more positive scenario than in-person therapy and may also be less distracting for both the client and SLP.
Adult clients with speech impairments are spared the indignity of booking appointments through a receptionist since they can simply book their Linguabilities speech therapy sessions online and still enjoy their home comforts.
More flexibility
Both client and clinician know exactly when the therapy session is scheduled, so waiting times are more or less eliminated. Ending therapy prematurely because you can’t find the time for it may have repercussions such as relapses in speech difficulties. Online therapy makes it easier to attend sessions and avoids a potentially embarrassing and upsetting relapse.
Online Speech Therapy Considerations
While online speech therapy offers several benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
For example:
Some clients feel more at ease discussing personal matters in person rather than online.
If the client has attention deficit disorder, is hearing impaired, or has other complex conditions, in-person therapy may be the better option.
A PC, laptop, or smartphone with reliable, uninterrupted internet access is needed to conduct this type of speech therapy online.
Not all children are suited to telepractice therapy.
The parent may have to help the child with the activities if they cannot operate the laptop or phone or follow instructions without explanation. (The SLP must take into account the amount of time little ones can focus and should ideally be someone who specializes in working with youngsters, so they know the types of activities they should be doing with them and how often. The therapist may also have to provide input on exercises that can be practiced daily to improve communication.)
How Telepractice is Changing the Game
Since COVID-19, ASHA has set guidelines for speech therapy online, which the organization states must be as beneficial as in-person services and adhere to ASHA’s Code of Ethics.
Telepractice speech therapy companies, such as Linguabilities, abide by ASHA telepractice guidelines and are ideal for children as they can keep the same therapist throughout.
Specifically trained in online speech therapy for children, therapists’ telepractice resources for speech therapy are unlimited. Therapists understand how to use them to the best advantage within a comprehensive therapy program to build a positive working relationship. Kids enjoy interacting via an entertaining program specially designed and tested by speech pathologists, and they’re empowered to manipulate the mouse themselves, learning through play whilst also gaining valuable computer skills.
Linguabilities also offers highly-qualified therapists online to assist schools where there may be a lack of practitioners for kids needing speech therapy. Since therapists understand the issues educators face, they are prepared to collaborate in solving issues. Students’ therapy sessions can be arranged around snow days and sports commitments. Budget restraints can also be overcome because money is saved by using online therapists and educators.
Online Speech Therapy Services Available Online
Finding the right speech therapist can be difficult, especially if you don’t live in a large city. Why not make things easier by choosing remote speech therapy?
Linguabilities offers full speech therapy services from licensed professionals. If you are seeking an online program to meet your specific needs, book your free 15-minute discovery session today.