Online Speech and Language Therapy: 10 Facts You Need To Know

Online speech and language therapy is a growing field that can be extremely beneficial for children who need speech and language therapy but don't have access to quality services in their area. Speech and language therapy sessions involve working with a therapist online, typically through video-chat software like Zoom or Facetime. However, at Mable Therapy we have created our own innovative platform, developed to ensure sessions are fun and interactive, which means more engagement and better outcomes for your child. You can find out all about the research behind our innovative platform here. 

As a parent, you want to make sure your child is getting the best possible support. If your child is having difficulties with their speech and language development, you may be wondering if online speech and language therapy is the right approach for them.

Here are 10 facts about online speech and language therapy that will help you decide if it's right for your family.

Online speech and language therapy is a great option for children who are unable to attend traditional therapy sessions

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the world of online speech and language therapy and families are now relying on online services to provide support for their children. The research that has been conducted in the aftermath of the pandemic has shown that online speech and language therapy is an effective way to provide support for children. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools and nurseries were closed and parents were having to look for alternative ways to get their children the help they needed. Online speech and language therapy is the perfect solution for many families as it allows children to continue their therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes.

Research shows online speech and language therapy can be just as effective, if not more so, than traditional in-person sessions

Just because online speech and language therapy are done remotely, doesn't mean you'll be sacrificing the quality of therapy. You can get the same quality of therapy as you would from an in-person therapist. Therapists who provide online services use the same methods and therapies as those who provide in-person services. In fact, online speech and language therapy may even be more effective for some children as they feel more comfortable in their own home environment.

Online therapy may help you gain access to services that would otherwise be unavailable or extremely difficult to reach

One of the best things about online speech and language therapy is that it's available anywhere in the world. So, if your child doesn't have access to quality services near you, online therapy is a great option. Since online speech and language therapy is done remotely, sessions tend to be shorter in duration than traditional in-person sessions. This makes them more accessible for busy families with tight schedules.

Online sessions enable families to track and monitor their child's progress more effectively

The online nature of online speech and language therapy allows for more one-to-one sessions with your child, which makes it easier to monitor progress over time. The Mable Therapy platform has built-in tools and features that allow parents to track their child's sessions and progress. One of the great things about online speech and language therapy is that your child can work on their goals between sessions. This means they're getting more opportunities to practice and improve their skills, which then leads to better outcomes. Mable speech and language therapists often provide additional resources for parents to use at home with their child between sessions. This can help you feel more empowered as a parent when supporting your child's development outside of therapy sessions.

Many families find that online therapy is more convenient than in-person therapy

Mable Therapy offers online scheduling, which makes it easier to book appointments. It also enables online speech and language therapy to fit in with your family's schedule. With online therapy, you don't have to worry about missing work or school because of appointments. You can schedule sessions at a time that works best for everyone involved.

Online therapy can be especially helpful for children who have difficulty travelling or leaving their home environment

Online speech and language therapy is a great option for children who live in rural areas or who have difficulty travelling long distances. The online nature of the therapy also makes it a great option for children who are fearful of leaving their home environment. Sessions can take place at home which is a less anxious and therapeutic environment for the child. Some children who have difficulty attending in-person sessions may find online speech and language therapy more comfortable.

The online format of online speech and language therapy can be especially helpful for children who have trouble staying on task or who need more immediate feedback

Since online sessions are typically shorter in duration than traditional in-person sessions, it's a great option for children with short attention spans. Quick transitions between tasks and instant feedback make online therapy an excellent option for children who need more structure and support. Online speech and language therapy provides immediate feedback that children can see and hear, which is motivating for them to continue working on their goals.

The online format of online speech and language therapy can be a fun and enjoyable experience for children

Children get to work with a therapist in a more relaxed atmosphere, which is frequently associated with improved outcomes. For children who are shy or find it tricky to meet new people, the format of online speech and language therapy is ideal. They can work with a therapist in the comfort of their own home, and they're not limited by geographical boundaries. Therapy delivered in this way is an enjoyable experience for many children as it provides them with the opportunity to use technology in a positive way.

Online speech and language therapy can help parents learn new strategies for working with their child

Parents have the opportunity to participate in online sessions by watching or taking part in activities. This allows them to learn new strategies for working with their child. By watching the therapist and participating in online activities, parents can get a better understanding of how to help their child practise speech and language goals at home.

You can access specialist therapists from all over the world

When it comes to finding a therapist, online speech and language therapy offer the widest range of specialists. Because online sessions are delivered through video conferencing software, you can access therapists from all over the world.  You can browse all of the therapists on the Mable Therapy team here, read their profiles and find the right therapist for you and your family. Having a specialist therapist means children can access to the best possible care, no matter where they live.

Whether you need support during the day, on an evening or at the weekend when your child is home, we want to be sure that children and their families have access to everything they need when and where they need it most.

If you would like more information about how our speech and language therapy services work, please contact us. We’re happy to answer any questions!