In a post-Covid world, health care providers, clinicians and parents are navigating new waters.  Although telemedicine has been recognized by the Mayo clinic as an effective resource since 1997, many have viewed it merely as a pandemic band-aid.

In the early days of the pandemic, school districts and private SLPs were trying to find ways to meet the needs of students in an educational world that changed almost overnight.  Zoom and online therapy became a lifeline for millions of families.  Hard work, resiliency and dedication became the cocktail that made the best of a less than ideal situation.  As clinicians received more training and had access to better tools, many adapted and were able to offer more personalized and engaging sessions.  Virtual evaluations helped SLPs understand individuals’ specific communication needs by observing the environment and making suggestions and developing functional goals for everyday life.  Including parents/caregivers in therapy sessions allowed for follow through with practice and reinforcement.  This was particularly powerful for patients with an Autism diagnosis as structure and consistency are key.

As we all have embraced the return to “normal”, teletherapy is part of our “new-normal”. Clinicians have observed some unique strengths of telepractice for some, if not all, client families. Convenience is a big advantage of telepractice; therapists save traveling time and are able to serve rural families easily. Some parents appeared to be more involved in teletherapy sessions than in in-person services.  Additionally, many schools have adopted a hybrid model where a blend of in-person and online sessions is ideal.  Therapists are utilizing materials and games on the computer that are effective, efficient and appealing interventions for a variety of clients.  For example, clients with an autism diagnosis can work on personal goals in a safe and comfortable environment.  Therapists can find engaging games and “play” along with clients as they work on therapy goals and practice important social skills.

As hybrid work models remain across the country in almost every business space, the education and healthcare sectors are embracing teletherapy and the growing space of therapy games. Teletherapy is a safe, convenient, and powerful model with unchartered potential for children and adults with speech and language needs.  This potential is exciting- and fun!