Category: Speech Therapy

Common Questions Parents Have About Online Speech Therapy

Helping Parents Understand: Common Questions Parents Have About (Online) Speech Therapy

Online speech therapy takes full advantage of modern technology to make speech therapy services more accessible and effective for patients. However, with any new changes to medical care, we understand that parents may have a bit of uncertainty and plenty of questions. 

At SLP-tele, we want parents – and especially your child – to be fully comfortable when working with our online speech therapists. Below we discuss some of the most common questions parents have about speech therapy and online speech therapy.

Let us put your doubts to ease and show you why SLP-tele can be the speech therapy provider that will change your child’s life.

Common Questions Parents Ask

1. How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

There are several signs to look out for if you believe your child may be in need of speech therapy services. Some of the most notable behaviors include:
  • Your child does not react to what is happening in their surroundings in a way deemed normal.
  • Your child avoids using a variety of words or sounds.
  • Your child has trouble understanding or answering questions.
  • Your child does not interact with other kids their age or toys the same way others would.
  • Your child is unable to tell adults what they need with words. They use gestures, other sounds, or even tantrums.
  • Your child does not follow instructions well.

If your child is exhibiting any of these signs, it is important to contact a speech language therapist (SLP) who can evaluate your child’s need and determine whether they are experiencing a speech delay or other communication disorder.

2. How will my child be evaluated?

Your child will undergo an official assessment of their language abilities based on two kinds of measures: formal and informal.

Formal measures compare the child’s skills to those of other children their age. These activities include simple tasks like labeling pictures and answering questions.

Informal measures consist of getting to know the child better, this includes interviews with teachers, caregivers, and other people who may know the child well. This will give the speech-language therapist valuable insight into the child’s speech development.

Based on these measurements and observations of the child’s play and interactions, the SLP will be able to effectively diagnose the child’s needs and develop a therapy plan.

3. What is online speech therapy?

Online speech therapy is a modern form of speech therapy delivered through live digital media rather than in-person. At SLP-tele, we are able to provide services through the use of the Internet and a computer or tablet – it’s that simple.

This way, the child can be comfortable in the convenience of their own home or school setting.

4. Is online therapy as effective as its on-site counterpart?

Yes! Online speech therapy is as effective as on-site therapy. Research has shown this to be true and, in fact, some studies have even indicated it is more effective than other methods when serving children who may be dealing with anxiety, sensory sensitivity, or other conditions that can make in-person sessions difficult.

5. How does it work and what will I need?

SLP-tele makes it completely simple, all you need to do is request an appointment with us. The day of the session, all you will need is:

  • A solid Internet connection
  • A computer, laptop, or tablet with video camera capabilities
  • Headphones
  • A quiet, well-lit room or environment

6. What are the benefits of online speech therapy?

In general, online speech therapy makes speech therapy much more accessible to the families and children that truly need the services. This is especially true for individuals living in rural areas who do not have immediate access to speech-language therapy services and who may need to travel substantial distances to receive the care they need.

It is also beneficial – as previously mentioned – for children dealing with other conditions that can make it challenging for them to receive treatment in an office setting.

Online speech therapy also allows children to receive the support they need in the comfort of their own home. It also makes it much easier for parents to get involved in their child’s therapy program.

7. How long will the program take?

How long the therapy process will take depends on a number of factors including the goals that are being pursued, the rate of your child’s progress, their consistency in session attendance, and the family’s willingness to practice after a session is over.

8. Will my insurance cover online speech therapy?

At SLP-tele, we are able to bill some insurance plans for online sessions.

However, it is best that you to check beforehand to see what coverage you can receive. We will gladly supply you with the necessary paperwork to submit to your insurance company or pre-tax savings plan.

Fortunately, for many families, the growth and success of online speech therapy means many insurance companies are willing to cover this service.

9. What are some ways to encourage my child’s language development at home?

Dialogic reading is one of the best options to improve vocabulary and comprehension.

Children love having stories read to them and this form of reading provides them with the opportunity to answer questions and ask them as well. Ask your child comprehension questions about the story as you are reading along and encourage them to interact.

You can even add commentary to the story by sharing some relevant anecdotes with your child. As your child grows, questions can become more abstract and open-ended, causing them to develop their conversational and speech skills.

10. How important is speech/language development to academic success?

Simply put – it is very important. Research shows that children who reach their language and speech milestones earlier in life do better academically.

Yet, this does not mean that a child with a communication disorder cannot be successful or catch-up with their peers. It is very important, however, that any delays are identified early so that speech therapy can be successful.

11. Is it ok if my child is learning two languages at once?

Understandably, many parents may think it would be troublesome to teach their child two languages if the child is already experiencing a speech delay or a disorder – but this should not be a cause for concern.

If you decide you want your child to learn two languages at once, that is a great idea and it works even better if they start at a young age.

It is recommended to have the child spend time with a language model who is a native speaker of the second language, like a babysitter or a teacher. Kids as young as fours months old are capable of differentiating between different languages.

12. Why should I choose SLP-tele?

SLP-tele can help you with all your online speech therapy needs. We are well prepared to help improve your child’s life and communication skills. When you choose SLP-tele, you are choosing:
  • Better outcomes. Online therapy helps children better absorb the lessons and skills being taught to them.
  • Improved compliance and participation. Better scheduling options means families can take advantage of these services.
  • Kids love it. Children love tech and the online world. Online therapy is a more enjoyable experience where they can participate in fun, game-based activities.
  • Parents are happier. Parents love to see the progress being made and all the fun their children are having.
  • Better communication and reporting. The online system allows for quicker and easier communication between patients and therapists.

If you are concerned your child may be suffering from a speech or communication disorder, do not hesitate to contact SLP-tele today at 877-757-8353.

FAQs About Online Speech Therapy

FAQs About Online Speech Therapy

AT SLP-tele, we understand that parents want the best for their children when it comes to their development and wellbeing. Making sure they get the best support for their needs is no exception.

That’s why we have strived to develop the best online speech therapy program nationwide. Our experienced speech therapists recognize that parents may be a bit wary about online speech therapy, but we want to assure you that there are plenty of fantastic benefits.

If you have questions about online speech therapy, we’d like to offer you some valuable information to ease your concerns. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from parents here at SLP-tele:

How does online speech therapy work?

Think of it as a video conference between your child and one of our expert therapists. You can be right there, at home with your kid, supervising the whole interaction while your child comfortably receives guidance and treatment in their very own room.

Does online therapy effectively keep a child’s attention?

Children love technology and are always eager to get a bit of screen time. Our therapists are also skilled at keeping children engaged throughout the entire length of the session. Our experienced and licensed therapists are well prepared to keep your child’s attention to help them develop and improve their speech skills.

What are the benefits of online speech therapy?

There are plenty of amazing benefits that online speech therapy provides including:

  • Ease of access for your child and your family
  • A much more comfortable and conducive learning environment for children
  • Parents can participate much more in their child’s program
  • Additional resources so that children can continuing practicing even after the session is over

Is online speech therapy as effective as in-person treatment?

Research has shown that online speech therapy is as effective as in-person treatment. In fact, some studies have shown online speech therapy to be more effective than other methods as it can better serve children who are dealing with anxiety, sensory sensitivity, or other conditions that can make in-person sessions difficult.

Does SLP-tele offer therapy in Spanish?

Yes, SLP-tele is dedicated to delivering premier online speech therapy services and we want to ensure that we are able to provide all families and children with the support they need. Because of this, we have experienced and licensed bilingual therapists on our staff.

Language should not be a barrier to getting your child the care they need.

Would delaying speech therapy affect my child?

The unfortunate reality is that failing to obtain your child the speech therapy services they need can greatly affect them as they begin to age. The more your child practices communication errors the more prevalent they will become. Research has shown that waiting to provide your child with the speech therapy they need can make it hard to break these negative patterns.

If your child has shown signs of a communication disorder, the fastest and easiest way to get them the help they need is through online speech therapy.

SLP-tele strives to deliver quality online speech therapy services where children feel the most comfortable – at home. Contact us today to request an appointment.

Mom and Child in Home School Setting Playing on the Phone

Four Common Speech and Language Disorders Children May Suffer From

Speech is the primary form of communication by which we are able to share our thoughts and feelings. Any difficulties with speech can cause frustration and hinder personal development.     

Unfortunately, this is the reality for nearly 1 in 12 children, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. The percentage of the population struggling with speech and language disorders only grows when you consider adults as well.

At SLP-tele, our online speech therapists believe that educating the families we work with is important to developing a successful speech therapy program for their child. For this reason, we would like to share information about the some of the most common speech disorders that can affect children and adults alike. By knowing how these conditions can affect your loved one, you can better support the efforts of their online speech therapist from SLP-tele.

Common Speech and Language Disorders

Stuttering

This common speech disorder affects around 3 million people in America. Repeating sounds and words is one of the most noticeable signs of stuttering. People who struggle with this will also have interrupted speech.

Stuttering can be broken into two specific types: developmental and neurogenic.

  • Developmental – This is typically seen at a young age, and is often the result of children’s speech not developing in an optimal manner. The good news is that it can be successfully adjusted with online speech therapy, with the majority of children able to correct their stuttering disorder.
  • Neurogenic – This condition stems from serious injuries to a person’s brain. Events like concussions and strokes can bring about a problem with stuttering in their aftermath.

Apraxia of Speech (AOS)

Apraxia of Speech (AOS) is characterized primarily by a person being incapable of saying what it is they want to say. The primary causes of AOS are brain damage or some type of damage to the neural pathways in the brain.

A child who has this condition will be able to think of the words that want to say, understand someone else’s, and even be able to write, but will not be able to speak clearly themselves. The extent to which they are affected varies, as some sufferers can still speak well enough to be understood by others, while for others, speech remains incomprehensible.

In Childhood Apraxia of Speech, the development of the neural pathways for speech does not follow a “normal” pattern. This can result in a number of problems in childhood, such as a kid learning how to talk later than those their age and struggling with pronouncing words correctly.

While the condition can be caused by genetic neurological factors in both adults and children, a traumatic brain injury can also be responsible for this disorder manifesting in a person’s speech.

Lisping

Like stuttering, lisping is a speech condition that most people have seen or are acquainted with. The first thought most people likely have when they think of a lisp is someone making a “th” sound in place of an “s” sound.

This is just one of the four types of lisps, however, which are listed below:

  • Interdental – This is the type of lisp most commonly thought of and is characterized by the tongue going between the front teeth, causing the “th” sound in place of s and z sounds.
  • Dentalized – This lisp can be identified by someone having their tongue hit their teeth while making s and z sounds.
  • Palatal – This lisp occurs when the tongue hits the soft palate when making s and z sounds.
  • Lateral – Air escaping out of the sides of the mouth cause this type of lisping.

This condition is something that you are most likely to see in childhood, but it can at times continue as a person becomes an adult. However, the outlook for it is positive.

As a functional speech disorder, lisping is something that can be changed or corrected through work with a Speech Language Pathologist. The therapy would focus primarily on pronunciation and annunciation while including muscle strengthening exercises to help adjust a person’s lisp.

Autism and its Relation to Speech Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder, through the efforts of numerous organizations and groups, has found a permanent place in the public consciousness. The awareness of this widespread disorder, affecting 1 in every 100 individuals, is important in light of autism’s connection to speech conditions.

While not every child or adult with autism also struggles with speech, communication issues can arise. Speech therapy is very helpful in overcoming problems with speaking. A qualified speech therapist can work with a child with autism to help them learn words and their meaning, be more comfortable in social situations, and learn important communication cues.

Speech therapy is not just for the child with autism either, family and those closest to them are encouraged to be a part of the sessions as well. This can relax the child, in turn, helping them learn much easier. It also gives parents and other family members the opportunity to learn about their program and how they can be a part of it.

SLP-tele is here for all your online speech therapy needs. We are ready to help improve your child’s life and communication skills.

For as common as speech disorders are, many of us are still surprised when we encounter them in everyday life. These conditions deserve our full attention as the strain they place on your child’s ability to communicate can affect other areas of their life, such as their self-esteem and relationships.

If you are concerned that your child may be suffering from a speech disorder, do not hesitate to contact SLP-tele today at 877-757-8353. Our experienced and caring team of online speech-language therapists can discuss a personalized plan to help your child unlock their full potential.

Five Fantastic Benefits of Online Speech Therapy Families Should Know About

Five Fantastic Benefits of Online Speech Therapy Families Should Know About

Advances in technology have proven to be world-changing, especially in the medical field. Tech-inspired developments have been a boon for medical equipment, medications, and even medical services in general.

One of the medical fields that has benefited greatly from this rapid advancement in tech has been the world of speech therapy. Now, to the benefit of families all over the nation, voice, speech, and language disorders are fully treatable through online speech therapy services.

As a leader in online speech therapy services, SLP-tele is guiding today’s youth with restorative speech therapy sessions in the convenience of their own home. Here are the top five benefits families can expect from online speech therapy services.

1. Online Speech Therapy is Flexible

According to a 2014 survey conducted by Gallup, Americans worked an average of 47 hours per week. That equals up to almost six full work days, which can make scheduling speech therapy appointments extremely difficult.

That’s where the brilliance of online speech therapy comes into play. It isn’t rigid and time-demanding like in-person therapy sessions can be. Now, parents can schedule sessions that fit their and their family’s schedule.

Not only is online speech therapy a great option for parents, schools also find that it gives administrators flexibility in their scheduling as well. Rescheduling an online speech therapy session is much easier versus rescheduling an in-person therapy session.

2. Online Speech Therapy is Cost Effective

In-person speech therapy sessions do not come cheap. Many factors like travel expenses, facility expenses, and other office fees contribute to the final bill a family must deal with.

Choosing web-based speech therapy for your child provides cost-saving benefits as you are billed solely for the services rendered by a qualified speech therapist. Because many specialists work from home, they save on their own expenses, and those savings are passed down to clients like you.

3. Online Speech Therapy Provides Better Outcomes

With a dependable Internet connection, and the help of a skilled speech therapist from SLP-tele, your child will unlock their full potential.

An in-person speech therapy session may be uncomfortable for your child. Working with a specialist face-to-face may add stress to the situation and prevent your child from reaching their full potential. When going with our SLP-tele online services, your child can see and hear the therapist but in the comfort of your home, which often produces enhanced results in comparison to in-person sessions.

Additionally, since online speech therapy grants flexibility, more sessions can be scheduled around a time frame that caters to you and your child. When your child is comfortable, and visiting with the speech therapist more frequently, the outcome will be significantly better.

4. Online Speech Therapy Provides Families More Tools

The online speech therapy services we provide at SLP-tele not only include live sessions but also access to a vast library of therapy activities, tracking tools and progress monitoring assessments, so that you can track your child’s progress.

We also provide access to video recorded sessions that can be viewed at a later time to help you better understand your child’s program and growth.

5. Online Speech Therapy Makes Kids and Parents Happier

Kids love technology and online activities. When coupled with informative computer games and activities, your child can develop stronger outcomes. In short, happier kids lead to improved communication skills, which in turn leads to a happier parent.

Now is the perfect time to give your children the tools they need to succeed. Schedule your online speech therapy sessions with SLP-tele today.

At SLP-tele, our goal is to effectively treat your child for speech, language, swallowing, or social communication disorders through our online speech therapy services.

Contact us today at (877) 757-8353 for more information on how you can start your child’s journey to success.