Even as so many aspects of our lives have become virtual in recent months – work, shopping, socializing, even visiting the zoo or museum – it can be difficult to go beyond our comfort zone when it comes to virtual healthcare. This may be unfamiliar territory for therapists as well as families. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest questions or concerns for families surrounding teletherapy is, will it be as effective as working face-to-face?
It is helpful to start by looking at what is the same between teletherapy and face-to-face services. At its core, in both cases, the family is working with a certified, licensed, and experienced speech therapist. The therapist will use their knowledge and training to provide specific intervention strategies to address the challenges of their clients and measure their progress. And there has been research completed over several years showing that teletherapy and “e-learning” can produce the same outcomes as in-person learning.
So, what are some of the differences? And how do they impact therapy?
- Location. In some cases, your child may be accustomed to receiving therapy in their school classroom or speech therapist’s office. These settings may have some benefits, such as a controlled environment with decreased distractions. However, your home as a therapy setting can have its own benefits. You and your child are in your own, familiar, home environment with their familiar toys. As a therapist, I’ve seen children get shy or nervous in a therapist’s office. But when children have the opportunity to show and share their own toys and homes, they often light up and forget they are talking to a new person.
- Parent involvement. I believe the importance of parent involvement in therapy sessions may often be overlooked. In teletherapy, particularly for younger children, parent participation has an added level of significance. Your therapist will ask you to implement techniques and strategies that will support your child’s needs. Rather than feeling daunting, you should feel empowered to know that with your therapist’s guidance, you can support your child’s needs and work toward their goals, not just during the therapy session, but throughout your daily routine. Your speech therapist may be with your child for 1-2 hours of your child’s week (about 1% of their waking hours). As a parent, you are with your child significantly more, giving you many more opportunities to work on your child’s needs.
- Technology. As I parent to young children myself, I often have concerns about how much technology my kids are “exposed to”. However, there is a difference between using technology as entertainment and using it as a form of engagement. Children (and people) learn through engagement, such as active attention and/or participation. When children are actively engaged
Its understandable to feel intimidated, skeptical, or uneasy about participating in teletherapy. If we, as families and therapists, can be open-minded, willing to express our concerns, and troubleshoot the “hiccups” that come with trying something new, it can provide a great opportunity to meet the needs of our children and clients and give them the tools and support to grow.