What is Teletherapy?

 
 

Speech Teletherapy is the delivery of Speech Therapy online through audio and video means. This is typically done using a smartphone, a desktop computer, or a laptop. Platforms that we utilize at Utter Success, LLC include HIPAA compliant Zoom platform, and Google Meet.

What does the research say about Speech Teletherapy (aka, Online Speech Therapy, or Virtual Speech Therapy)?

Peer-reviewed research on pediatric and adult speech teletherapy reflects the same outcomes of in-person speech therapy, within studies covering a wide range of impairments - including speech sound disorders, dysphagia, voice disorders, and fluency disorders.

Research shows that teletherapy is an effective mode of delivery for Speech Language Pathology services, and is equally as effective as in-person services.

How is speech teletherapy different from in-person speech therapy?

Speech Teletherapy services provide the same techniques, the same principles, and the same targeted goals as in-person Speech Therapy.

Caregivers should be present and participate during the delivery of Speech Teletherapy with the same amount of effort and time as they would in-person.

Differences to in-person therapy include the absence of the SLP’s presence for physical contact and use of physical cues during sessions, as well as a need for basic understanding of the device being utilized for video/audio sessions (how to log in, how to turn the device on/off, etc).

For many children and adolescents, especially those with social anxiety or sensory-processing needs, video visits can provide an enjoyable alternative to the social/physical demands of the in-person experience.

As a parent or caregiver, how should I prepare for a speech teletherapy session?

Here are some general tips for getting set up:

  • Allow for at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the session to get ready

  • Be available to accompany your child throughout the visit

  • Have a basic understanding of the device and platform you’re using

  • Set up a comfortable environment for both you and your child

  • Limit distractions

  • Avoid placing yourself or your child in front of a window or lighting

  • Log in a few minutes before your session using the appropriate platform and test your mic and video access

  • For children under the age of 4:

    • Have your child seated on the floor or at a small table

    • Use a space that will encourage your child to stay seated

    • Have a few items handy that your child will enjoy

References:

Carey, B., O'Brian, S., Onslow, M., Packman, A., & Menzies, R. (2012). Webcam delivery of the Camperdown Program for adolescents who stutter: A phase I trial. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 43, 370–380.

Cassel, S. (2016). Case reports: Trial dysphagia interventions conducted via telehealth. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 8, 71–76.

Grogan-Johnson, S., Schmidt, A., Schenker, Alvares, R., Rowan, L., & Taylor, J. (2013). A comparison of speech sound intervention delivered by telepractice and side-by-side service delivery models. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 34, 210–220.

Jarvis-Selinger, S., Chan, E., Payne, R., Plohman, K., & Ho, K. (2008). Clinical telehealth across the disciplines: Lessons learned. Telemedicine and e-Health, 14, 720–725.

Lin, F., Chien, H., Chen, S. H., Kao, Y., Cheng, P., & Wang, C. (2020). Voice Therapy for Benign Voice Disorders in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Telepractice and Conventional Face-to-Face Therapy. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 63(7), 2132-2140. doi:10.1044/2020_jslhr-19-00364

Pullins, V., & Grogan-Johnson, S. (2017). A Clinical Decision Making Example: Implementing Intensive Speech Sound Intervention for School-Age Students Through Telepractice. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 2(18), 15-26. doi:10.1044/persp2.sig18.15

Heather IsmayComment