Tag: Speech Therapy

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How Long Does It Take for Speech Therapy to Work?

It’s human nature for parents – and children alike – to want to see quick results when starting speech therapy. However, it is important for parents and children to remember that everybody is different and learns at their own pace. 

Here at SLP-tele, our online speech therapy providers know exactly how to meet your child’s speech therapy needs in order to help them conquer their goals. For parents and children interested in learning how “fast” it will take for speech therapy to work, they should consider the following. 

Factors that Affect the Length of Time 

1. Parental Involvement

Parents need to be involved in their child’s speech therapy journey the entire time. Children need the support and encouragement that only a parent can provide. This makes the entire learning process that much easier and successful. Additionally, when parents are willing to do “extra” after the sessions are over, the child has a greater chance of retaining what they have learned.

2. Child’s Participation

Although some children tend to be shy when working with a stranger, it is important that they participate in their lessons. Thankfully, our online speech therapists at SLP-tele have the experience and training needed to make sure they get the most out of your child.

With a little bit of encouragement from you, your child will not only happily participate in their speech therapy sessions, but will have a great time doing it.

3. Severity of Your Child’s Speech Disorder 

Children can face a wide variety of speech disorders include articulation disorders to child speech delay/disorders. If there are additional physical ailments, such as a high narrow palate or tongue-tie, then the amount of time needed for the child to overcome their speech challenges will generally increase.

4. The Age of Your Child

If you notice a problem in your child’s speech early on, it is best to begin seeking out professional assistance immediately. The longer you wait to get help, the more rooted the issue can become, which can make the speech pattern or habit harder to break. 

5. Frequency of Independent Practice

The saying is true, “Practice makes perfect.” Independent practice is going to be just as vital as the actual therapy sessions themselves. Here at SLP-tele, we provide families with additional resources that can be used once the therapy session ends, and children, along with parents, will even be able to revisit old lessons to keep practicing.

6. Commitment to Sessions

It’s a simple rule but it makes all the difference in the world. You and your child’s commitment to speech therapy sessions will help you to reach goals that much faster. That includes the frequency of therapy sessions. The more often your child works with our online speech therapist, the sooner you are likely to see results. 

7. Additional Learning or Behavioral Challenges

Additional learning or behavioral challenges need to be taken into consideration when estimating the amount of speech therapy treatment that will be needed. Notifying your speech therapist about any medically documented issues is also important so that they can develop a comprehensive plan that will take these additional challenges into consideration. 

If you have a child that is struggling with their speech don’t hesitate to get help. SLP-tele specializes in online speech therapy and we would be more than happy to help you and your child reach your speech goals. 

Contact us at (877) 757-8353 to schedule an appointment. 
Serious little Caucasian boy closing his mouth with hands. Illustrative image for childhood trauma, child traumatic experience. Psychological assistance, children rescue. Silent cry for help. Stutter

One Day At a Time: Tips for Helping Your Child Overcome Their Stuttering

As our little ones begin to grow and become more verbal, you may begin to notice them stammer as they speak. While, on many occasions, it is natural for a toddler or preschooler to have issues pronouncing certain words, there are other instances where parents may be rightfully concerned.

If you have noticed that your child has a bit of difficulty speaking and they tend to hesitate or repeat certain syllables, words, or phrases, then this may be a sign of stuttering. Thankfully, however, there is plenty that can be done in order to improve your child’s speech and communication skills.

And your team at SLP-tele is eager to help. Our southern California speech therapists are ready to deliver the quality treatment and care your little one deserves. Plus, we are able to provide convenient online speech therapy services.

If you are a bit concerned that your child is stuttering, then please consider the following information and tips on how to help them improve their speech skills. 

What is stuttering? And how can I recognize it?

It’s natural for children to occasionally repeat syllables or words once or twice. Children may also hesitate a bit before speaking and use filler words such as “uh,” “er,” and “um”. This type of disfluency often affects children who are just beginning to learn to speak and occurs between the ages of one to five years old. Generally, this type of speech patterns will come and go.
Even if these types of behaviors disappear for several weeks, then return, the child may simply be going through a learning stage.
However, children with stuttering issues are likely to repeat sounds more than twice. The tension and struggle to pronounce words also becomes obvious in the child’s facial muscles, especially around the mouth. Also, the pitch of the voice may rise with repetitions, and occasionally the child will experience a “block” which means there is no airflow or voice for several seconds.
A child with a severe stuttering problem stutters more than 10% of their speech or stutters with a lot of effort and tension, and avoids stuttering by changing words or using extra sounds to get a sentence started.

There is hope though. There’s plenty you can do at home to support your child, and with assistance from SLP-tele, your child can greatly improve their communication skills. 

How Parents Can Help Their Children Improve Their Stuttering

1. Pay attention: Try to increase the time that you give your child your undivided attention and really listen to them. Naturally, however, you won’t want to drop everything every time they speak but actually paying attention to what they say can help them to build confidence in their abilities.

2. Don’t ask too many questions all at once: Asking your children questions is natural, expected, and beneficial for many reasons. But try to resist overwhelming your child with multiple questions all at once. Sometimes, it is more helpful to comment on what your child is saying rather than overwhelming them with questions.

3. Take turns talking: Everyone in your family can help by taking turns when having a family conversation. Children find it easier to talk when there are fewer interruptions.

4. Build up their confidence: Some of the hesitation and stammering can come as a result of their insecurity. When your child is concerned about the way they talk, they may not communicate as well as they would like. Positive words can truly go a long way.

5. Spend some alone time together: Spend a few minutes each day when you can give your child your undivided attention. This means no TV, iPad, or phones. This can be a confidence builder for young children when they have your undivided attention and can help them improve their thought processes and communication abilities.

6. Reduce the pace of your conversations: Don’t rush through your conversation when speaking with your child. You’ll also want to pause a little more frequently to give them the opportunity to respond. Your own relaxed speech will be more effective than any advice such as “slow down” or “try it again slowly.”

7. Reduce the demands they feel: As your child develops more advanced speech and language skills, they will experience many demands. Reducing this amount of “demand” speech (forcing them to have a conversation) can decrease the pressures they experience.

With SLP-tele by your side, your child will greatly improve their stuttering and communication skills. And with us right in the middle of summer, now is the perfect time to start working on this issue. Our online speech therapy services are fun, engaging, and sure to improve your child’s speech.

To get started with our online speech therapy services, contact SLP-tele right now at (877) 757-8353 and schedule an appointment.

little kids swimming in pool underwater.

4 Fun Summer Speech Activities

Summer is nearly here and your child is undoubtedly very excited to finally get a break from school. While it’s good to give our little ones a much-needed rest, we also don’t want them to be affected by the summer brain drain.

At SLP-tele, not only do we provide exceptional child-focused in-home speech therapy, but we also want to provide parents with the support and additional activities they need to keep the learning going all summer long. While kids seem to avoid learning during the summer like they avoid vegetables, there are plenty of summer-themed speech activities that we’re sure your child will absolutely love playing.

Summer Speech Therapy Activities to Give a Try

1. Preparing for the Pool (Listing Activity)

Children love going to the pool to cool off and splash around. An excellent activity to get your child to be active with their speech is to have them list out what you’ll need for your day at the pool (or beach, park, or other place you’ll be visiting.) For example, swimming terms they can use can include swimsuits, swim trunks, floaties, towels, goggles, diving, and lifeguards. Also, on your way to the pool, have your child plan out all the things they want to do there. There’s so much they can do at the pool, so have them explain everything to you in clear, full sentences.

2. At the Pool Activities

A simple activity to play with your child is “Sink or Float.” Take many different types of toys to the pool and use them to play the game. You can have your child describe the toy while letting you know why they think the toy will sink or float. Just as a reminder, most toys will float so make sure to take a couple that will sink, like diving toys.

Because there is likely to be a lot of other children at the pool, this is a great opportunity for your child to interact with others as well. Just remind your child ahead of time that if another child asks them to play, or talks to them, they need to respond appropriately.

For safety reasons, you’ll want to stay close to your child while playing this game – or when spending any time at the pool for that matter.  

3. Beach Activities

Most children enjoy a day at the beach, especially playing with the sand. A fun speech activity to do at the beach is to bury objects for your little one to find. When they find an object, have them describe the object before putting it in their bucket.

Of course, the goal is to find them all, so be sure to bury them within a small area so they can easily be found easily.

Another fun and easy activity to do is building a sandcastle. While building up the castle have them name what they want their sandcastle to have, for instance, a moat, windows, doors, seashells, a bridge, etc.

4. While Traveling In the Car

Whether you’re taking a family vacation or simply driving down to the local community pool, you can play the alphabet game. This simple speech game consists of taking turns using a letter to think of as many words as you can for a specific subject such as animals, foods, restaurants, and the likes.

For instance, you can use a letter such as “C,” to come up with words like cat, cow, crane, etc. Or you can use sounds such as /sh/ to have your child come up with words like shore, shark, shrimp, ship, etc.

There are plenty of additional speech therapy activities that can be played at home during the summer. Want to learn more? Then contact SLP-tele today.

Contact us today at (877) 757-8353 for more information on how you can get your child started with online speech therapy this summer.

How to Convince Your Child to Get Invested in Speech Therapy

How to Convince Your Child to Get Invested in Speech Therapy

Let’s be honest, when you bring up the idea of speech therapy for the first time to your child, the odds are that more than likely they might be a bit confused or even a little hurt. A young child might not fully comprehend what the word “therapy” means and may see it as something negative. This negative association with the term “therapy” may lead to a child automatically rejecting the idea of help.

Naturally, if a parent does schedule an appointment with a speech therapist, the child might be uneasy, confused – and if they feel forced into it – uncooperative. But without even recognizing it, after a while your child might begin to find it fun and interesting. This especially true with online speech therapy, which offers children a unique and engaging way to learn while participating in fun, game-based activities.

Here at SLP-tele, we often here, “How do we get our child invested in speech therapy?” That’s a great question that we are more than capable of answering. If you are wondering how to get your child interested in speech therapy, then consider the following information.

Getting a Child Invested in Speech Therapy   

To start, online speech therapy can’t be boring.

The speech therapist delivering the treatment needs to understand this crucial element. If the child doesn’t find online speech therapy fun, chances are they won’t connect with the therapist nor the concepts they are being taught. As a therapist, the key is to really get to know the child. This goes beyond understanding what conditions the child is dealing with but also digging in to learn more about the child’s personality and interests including favorite hobbies, sports team, school subjects, etc.

Quality online speech therapists will somehow incorporate this information and tailor sessions in ways that the child will find interesting. A child is more likely to be invested in a “Captain Marvel” or “Los Angeles Lakers” themed session versus a simple worksheet.

Once the child is more intrigued, there’s a higher likelihood that goals will be reached – and at this point – rewards can be earned. Rewards can vary in size and can prove to be an amazing tool for encouraging your child.

Of course, the real reward is the improvement in your child’s speech and language abilities, which can prove to help them tremendously in school. There’s also the benefit of increased confidence, which can aid in providing your child a better quality of life.

A great way to get your child invested is to create weekly challenges for them in which they properly pronounce certain words or phrases they might’ve had trouble saying before. Naturally, the bigger the challenge the “bigger” the reward, such as increased video game time or the opportunity to stay up a little later on the weekend.  

Additional tactics to get your child invested in speech therapy include:

  • Being physically active during speech therapy sessions and at-home practice allows your little one to activate parts of their brain that will help them better retain the information they are receiving. Additionally, they won’t focus so much on the “therapy” part, thus opening them up to the learning experience.
  • After your child’s online speech therapy sessions, do some fun speech and language crafts. They’ll correlate fun with speech therapy and take to the experience much better.
  • Graph your child’s progress so they can see the improvements they are making. Once they hit milestones, you can celebrate with simple rewards such as ice cream.
  • Keep speech therapy “work” to a minimum to begin with. Longer sessions may burn them out and lower their interest in speech therapy.   

Getting a child invested in speech therapy might be tricky at first, but it’s just a matter of changing their perspective and showing them how beneficial it will be in the long run.

If you believe your child could benefit from online speech therapy services, 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.

How to Know If Your Child Needs Speech Therapy

How to Know If Your Child Needs Speech Therapy

It can be difficult as a parent to anticipate your child’s every need, especially as a first-time parent. One area that parents are often confused about is whether or not their child’s speech and language skills are developing normally.

In order to help parents get a better understanding of speech and language milestones, the experienced speech-language therapists at SLP-tele would like to share with you a few insights on what your child should be able to do and say and if they may benefit from online speech therapy services.

Speech Milestones to Watch For

Recognizing the speech and language milestones your child has reached can help you to determine whether or not your child may need speech therapy. If you observe that your child has not reached any of these milestones, it is important to get the support they need.

While you have the right to ultimately decide when the right time is for your child to receive speech therapy services, it is worth noting that any delay in supporting your child can lead to a lifetime of speech and language problems.

Parents should keep an eye out for these speech milestones:

  • 18 Months
    • Your child has about a 10-word vocabulary
    • Is able to identify simple things like animals or toys
    • Can say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to simple questions
    • Can follow simple instructions
  • 2 Years Old
    • Is able to identify body parts
    • Can string two or more words together
    • Can identify objects (pictures) in a book
    • Has a vocabulary of 50-200 words
    • Can be understood 50% of the time
  • 3 Years Old
    • 300 to 1,000-word vocabulary
    • Can pronounce consonant sounds
    • Can make a longer sentence
    • Can have a “conversation”
  • 4 Years Old
    • Can use sentences
    • Asks plenty of questions
    • Can tell a short story
    • Can play with other kids using words
    • Can answer ‘how,’ ‘who,’ ‘who many,’ etc. type questions
    • Should be understood 90% of the time
  • 5 Years Old
    • Is learning to read
    • Can give instructions on how to use something
    • Can have a conversation
    • Understands concept of time and make requests based on it

It is highly recommended that you get your child officially evaluated by a speech and language pathologist to determine whether or not they may need speech therapy.

Additional Signs That Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

Alongside speech milestones, there are certain behaviors you may notice that suggest your child may be having difficulty with their speech and language skills, including:

  • Your child should be able to perform simple social interactions including:
    • Responding to parents with smiles and cooing (0 to 3 months)
    • Making sounds and performing small actions with hands (7 to 12 months)
    • Understands and responds to noise and talking (7 to 24 months)
  • Your child has not said their first word by 15 months.
  • You are having some difficulty with understanding what your child is saying.
  • Your child is having difficulty with making consonant sounds such as ‘pa’ or ‘ma’.
  • Other people cannot understand your child by the time they are three years old.
  • Has a speech issue such as stuttering or lisping.
  • Your child has problems with reading or writing.
  • Social interactions with other children seem unusual.

If you intuitively feel, as a parent, that your child is dealing with a condition that is affecting their speech and language skills, then there is a high likelihood that you may be correct.

The Next Steps to Take

If you believe that your child is having speech difficulties, then you should discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician should be able to determine if there is an underlying health condition that may be contributing to the issue.

Some conditions that can affect your child’s communication skills include:

  • Behavioral and mental conditions such as autism can lead to communication problems.
  • Structural abnormalities in the mouth, throat, ears, or nose can affect communication skills.
  • Poor muscle tone in the mouth and tongue (known as hypotonia).

Depending on what your pediatrician suggests, they may determine that further steps should be taken. This should include a standardized assessment by a speech therapist to determine your child’s observable speech and language abilities.

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

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.

Debunking 7 Online Speech Therapy Myths

Debunking 7 Online Speech Therapy Myths

When you first start thinking about online speech therapy for your child, you are likely to do some research and talk with other parents about their child’s experiences. While word-of-mouth information can be useful in making a decision, you’ll want to be aware of misguided advice that can lead you down the wrong path.

At SLP-tele, we know that you want the best for your child. We also understand that you might have a few questions and concerns when it comes to our online speech therapy services. That’s why we would like to debunk a few of the most common myths about teletherapy.

When you realize how beneficial online speech therapy can be, our certified speech therapists will be ready to deliver compassionate and comprehensive online speech therapy in a familiar and conducive environment – your home.

Myths About Online Speech Therapy

Myth 1: Your Child Really Doesn’t Need It

In certain instances, children will grow out of their speech development or language issues on their own. You might even speak with a parent who experienced this with their own child.

But while this may have occurred in their situation, it doesn’t mean that it will be the same for your child. Don’t assume your child will overcome their language impairment on their own. Seek out help from a professional speech therapy provider and have them evaluated.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Myth 2: Speech Therapy Will Only Treat Stutters and Lisps

In certain instances, children will grow out of their speech development or language issues on their own. You might even speak with a parent who experienced this with their own child.

But while this may have occurred in their situation, it doesn’t mean that it will be the same for your child. Don’t assume your child will overcome their language impairment on their own. Seek out help from a professional speech therapy provider and have them evaluated.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Myth 2: Speech Therapy Will Only Treat Stutters and Lisps

The experienced speech therapists at SLP-tele are able to support children with a wide variety of language or speech-related issues. While it can be easy to assume that speech therapy can only correct stutters and lisps, speech therapists can also help meet the needs of children dealing with apraxia of speech, autism-related speech disorders, and many other challenges.

Myth 3: Online Speech Therapy Won’t Keep Your Child’s Attention

Many parents have concerns that it can be difficult for a speech therapist to work effectively with their child only using a computer or tablet. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Children absolutely love technology and, in fact, many find it easier to engage with a speech therapist online versus in-person.

Additionally, our SLP-tele speech therapists understand how to keep your child engaged throughout the entire session with fun and interactive games.

Myth 4: Children Just Can’t Connect with a Speech Therapist Via Online Therapy

A positive learning environment is one of the most important factors when it comes to connecting with children and online speech therapy can offer that in droves. An online speech therapist will provide visual and verbal positive reinforcement to create a conducive learning environment.

Understandably, face-to-face communication is fundamental to speech and language therapy. This is still possible with online therapy as your child will be able to see their therapist via the tool (e.g. computer or tablet) they are using.

Plus, there’s always the “cool” factor that comes with technology. Children will see their online speech therapist as modern and hip, which will help them make a better personal connection.

Myth 5: In-Person Therapy Is Just Better

While in-person therapy may be good for some patients, teletherapy (online speech therapy) provides a number of benefits that just can’t be matched, including:

  • Online therapy helps children better absorb their lessons and the skills being taught to them.
  • More scheduling options mean children can meet with their online speech therapist at a time that is best for the family.
  • Children love tech and the online world. Online therapy is a more enjoyable experience where they can participate in fun, game-based activities.
  • Parents tend to be happier with the results and services because they love to see the progress being made and all the fun their children are having.
  • The online system allows for quicker and easier communication between patients and therapists.

Myth 6: Online Therapy Means I’ll Have to Buy Expensive Computer Equipment

Thanks to advanced technology, it’s easier than ever for your child to receive online speech therapy. All you need is a computer or tablet with a webcam and microphone – and thankfully most computers come with these built in. Additionally, you’ll need a stable internet connection and a quiet room where your child will be able to work with their therapist each session.

And that’s it!

SLP-tele will also be there to walk you through the setup process and provide ongoing tech support as needed.

Myth 7: Online Speech Therapy Is Too New to Be Effective

If you have never heard of online speech therapy, you might think the technology and services are too new to be beneficial for your child – but no need to worry. SLP-tele speech therapists are educated, certified, and experienced professionals who are more than able to meet your child’s needs.

Don’t let these myths about online speech therapy stop you from changing your child’s life. Contact SLP-tele today to request an appointment.
Young mother teaches a child with a tablet

At-Home Activities: 8 Fantastic Tips to Help Your Child’s Speech and Language Development

At SLP-tele, we believe in the powerful combination of online speech therapy and parental support. When these two factors come together, your child’s potential becomes limitless.

As a parent, it’s important to understand that your child will benefit much from the encouragement and guidance you provide after a speech therapy session has ended. Luckily, there are plenty of fun and engaging activities that the entire family can enjoy together to help your little one’s speech and language development.

At SLP-tele, not only do we provide online speech therapy services, we also provide parents/guardians with additional at-home practices games and video clips to help their child successfully reach their speech therapy goals.

Below we’ve outlined a number of fantastic tips and activities to get the most out speech therapy.

8 Tips for At Home Speech Therapy Practice

1. The Power of Play

The power and value of play in a child’s speech development can never be overlooked. While they are playing with toys and games, take the time to sit with them and model how the toy is used while using an animated voice to highlight its different parts.

2. The Power of Words

Your daily interactions with your child are absolutely important to their growth. Make sure to talk clearly, appropriately model any words they may be having problems with, and use visual cues to help them in their understanding. Clear, simple, and consistent speech is the way to go. Also, make sure to give them some time to respond.

3. Let Your Child Speak For Themselves

Rather than limiting your child’s opportunity to express their needs, provide them the opportunity to speak for themselves. Instead of asking, “Do you want this or that,” let them use their own words to let you know what they want/need.

4. Active Listening

As a parent, it can be very easy to get caught up in the hoopla of the day and not have a full conversation with your child. Instead, show them that you are being an active listener by asking them questions that relate to the conversation they are having with you. Also, make sure to give them the opportunity to talk about things that interest them.

5. Read, Read, and Read Some More

Reading is an essential element of speech and language development. It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Start off with simple books that repeat words and phrases (rhyming is great for speech development). Even reading the same book over and over can help them exercise their language skills.

As they grow, offer them more “challenging” books that require them to answer simple questions that go beyond just yes and no answers. You can also make the readings as dramatic or whimsical as possible. Make loud dramatic sounds to grab their attention.

6. Fun Time with Flash Cards

There are plenty of free flashcards that you can find online or purchase that can provide children with plenty of practice. Focus on flashcards that have sounds they may have difficulty with. To really draw your child in, consider adding some type of reward for getting a certain amount of sounds/words correct. For instance, sugarfree gum can help to strengthen their jaws without causing cavities.

7. Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

Modeling is an important piece of any speech therapy program and parents can get in on the fun by helping their children learn how to properly pronounciate by using a mirror. Choose a few words that are challenging them and demonstrate by moving your mouth slowly as you say the word to say them. Then, let your child speak in front of a mirror so they can see how to move their mouth to make certain sounds.

Get silly and include plenty of onomatopoeias like buzz, moo, roar, and meow.

8. Sing Along

Children love to sing and allowing them to belt out their favorite (parent approved) hits can encourage them to learn new words, practice active listening and memory, and improve their ability to express themselves verbally.

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

If you believe your child could benefit from online speech therapy services, 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.
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.

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.