FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Check here for answers to commonly asked questions about your child's speech and how the speech therapy process works.
- Is teletherapy effective?
- Will teletherapy be engaging for my child?
- Why should I choose teletherapy?
- What do I need to start teletherapy?
- When should I start teletherapy?
- Is teletherapy right for my child?
- How often will my child be in speech therapy?
- How do we work on speech and language development at home?
- What to expect during evaluation and therapy sessions?
- Who will my child be working with?
Is teletherapy effective?
Research shows that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person services. Teletherapy creates opportunities for more engagement and collaboration between SLPs, clients, and family members. Teletherapy is endorsed by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Mayo Clinic. In research studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic, American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and Kent State University have all determined that teletherapy is beneficial and effective for clients.
Research articles about teletherapy's effectiveness:
- Speech Telepractice: Installing a Speech Therapy Upgrade for the 21st Century
- Telemedicine and the diagnosis of speech and language disorders
- The Efficacy of Telehealth-Delivered Speech and Language Intervention for Primary School-Age Children: A Systematic Review
- A Pilot Exploration of Speech Sound Disorder Intervention Delivered by Telehealth to School–Age Children
Will teletherapy be engaging for my child?
Yes! Therapy will be set a natural and comfortable environment for your child. We use a variety of games and activities to engage your child in virtual sessions. We even have a green screen that we can use to feed animals, play games, and use “pop-up” toys. Additionally, we can use toys that your child has at home to work on goals and provides for great opportunities for parent coaching.
Why should I choose teletherapy?
Teletherapy allows families to receive high-quality speech and language services in the comfort and convenience of their own homes. You are able to maintain a consistent therapy schedule regardless of where you happen to be that day and without the stress of loading up the car and rushing to the office. Your child will continue to make progress towards their goals no matter where you are located. Additionally, it reduces your exposure to COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses.
What do I need to start teletherapy?
Teletherapy is easy to start and you probably already have access to these items in your home: computer/mobile device, internet access, and a webcam/device with webcam access.When should I start teletherapy?
It is best to start speech therapy whenever you have concerns regarding your child’s speech and/or language development. We offer a free consultation that you can schedule using the contact form. You can contact us with any questions at: info@levelupvirtualspeech.com.
Is teletherapy right for my child?
Teletherapy is a wonderful option for many children but won’t be the best choice for every single child just as in-person therapy isn’t the best fit for every child either. Please speak with us if you have any questions or concerns about teletherapy being a good fit for your child.
How often will my child be in speech therapy?
Generally sessions are 30 minutes once or twice per week. Session frequency will be determined by your child’s unique needs and your family’s schedule. You and your speech therapist will decide what will work best for your child.
How do we work on speech and language development at home?
Your speech therapist will give you and/or your child “homework” to work on between sessions. The homework and resources will complement what we are working on in therapy sessions. There are significant improvements in progress when family members and caregivers are involved in practice outside of therapy sessions. “Homework” may include words/sounds that your child is working on, strategies to improve your child’s language skills, and ways to encourage collaborative play at home to name a few.
What to expect during evaluation and therapy sessions?
Evaluation and therapy sessions may vary depending on your child’s age. We will use fun and engaging activities during both evaluation and therapy sessions.
During evaluation sessions, we will assess your child’s speech and language skills in a fun and engaging way in order to determine how to best support your child’s development. After the evaluation, you will receive an evaluation report covering all of your child’s strengths and areas of need as well as a treatment plan with goals and plan for therapy.
During therapy sessions, we utilize interactive games and activities to work on your child’s goals and to keep them looking forward to their next session. You will receive “homework” to work on with your child between sessions.
Who will my child be working with?
Your child will be working with licensed and experienced speech-language pathologists who possess a Masters degree in communication disorders and speech and language development. They have experience and knowledge in a variety of communication areas and are comfortable provide speech therapy via teletherapy.