As technology improves and our comfort with it increases we find ourselves able to access more and more services simply by sitting down at our computers. Whether due to lack of access or simply for the sake of convenience, many people are turning to apps and online meetings to access whatever they find themselves in need of. Think of all the weight loss apps out there and the success people are enjoying with them. Technology hasn’t developed by accident, it has developed to make our lives easier. A clear example of this trend is online speech therapy or “Skype” speech therapy.
Skype speech therapy is a bit of a misnomer, but so is Kleenex and everyone still knows what you mean when you ask for one. Skype therapy, more accurately referred to as online speech therapy or telepractice, is the delivery of speech and language therapy to an individual or group via the internet. Each session happens in real time with a client and therapist using online meeting technology to communicate. Skype or online speech therapy has become a life saver for many who cannot access a local speech pathologist due to remoteness of their location or the need for a speech pathologist with a specific specialty.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has poured significant resources into determining the effeciveness of online therapy. It endorses the use of online therapy and clearly points out that it is not an alternative to in-person therapy, but rather a different method of delivering the same service. With a nationwide shortage of speech-language pathologists, Skype or online therapy is bringing a valuable service to individuals that would otherwise have to travel long distances or simply forgo seeing a qualified speech pathologist.
To learn more you can watch the video below, produced by the American Speech–Language-Hearing Association, or click here to contact us about a free trial.