Speech Teletherapy
Teletherapy allows a therapist to provide therapy to your loved one or your child, via a video connection online, similar to Facetime.
Through programs (such as ‘Zoom’), a therapist and patient are able to meet in an ‘online office’ and work together in a live video session.
Besides talking face to face, during the session the therapist has access to materials that she can use in your session. For children, these are things such as games, drawing and writing, and even children’s books.
For children under nine, an assistant is recommended. As assistant at a school might be a para-professional. At home, it is usually the parent or a nanny. If they are able to click on choices and follow directives they will be able to work with me online independently, after the first few times. These days, five year olds can follow sessions independently after a few sessions! (With an adult nearby of course).
The positive effects of teletherapy are:
- It gives the therapist access to children, or adults, who cannot come into the office due to location, or illness.
- Reduces travel time to and from the office. With little children after a long school day, this can be a real benefit.
- Many people and parents find it easier to make and keep teletherapy appointments. Busy schedules and lack of transportation are often alleviated.
- Many patients, and particular kids, respond more positively to the computer based activities and games then they do in a face-to-face interaction.
Teletherapy isn’t for everyone but in certain situations it is very, very effective.