This article from Howard first appeared at: https://globalteletherapy.com/telepractice-not-just-games/.
The Perception
There
are many in the educational world including School Administrators who
believe that the advent and increasing usage of online speech therapy
(telepractice) is an unfortunate development. They believe that aside
from providing inferior therapy as compared to the traditional onsite
model, this entire “substitute” is nothing more than a bunch of video
games lacking any real educational or therapeutic value.
Whereas
the concern that their students receive the best therapy possible is
laudable, their perception of telepractice could be characterized as
incomplete at best. However before responding to their criticism, let
us first hear what speech therapy experts themselves have to say about
telepractice.
ASHA Endorsement
The
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the professional,
scientific, and credentialing association for 135,000 members and
affiliates who are audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Based
on the strong body of peer-reviewed research supporting telepractice as
an effective method of delivering speech therapy service, ASHA
recognizes telepractice as a valid means of service delivery.
Kent University Study
A
2011 study by Kent State University researchers compared students
receiving traditional in-person therapy and those receiving telepractice
in public school settings. They found that the outcomes for the
telepractice group were equal or better than the in-person group,
stating that:
“Students in both service models made significant
improvements…with students in the telepractice group demonstrating a
greater mastery of their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.”
Telepractice or On Site?
It
goes without saying that neither ASHA nor The Kent University Study
could make such unequivocal claims in support of telepractice would it
be that telepractice is somehow inferior. So, bottom line, what’s the
difference between teletherapy and face to face therapy?
Depending
on how you look at, perhaps a lot, or maybe not so much. Telepractice
is simply a modality. Online modalities are just that: modalities. It
just a method by which treatment is delivered. It’s not a distinct
“thing.”
The Reality
For better or for
worse, the fact is that our children are growing up in a world
increasingly defined by technology. They’re comfortable with computers
and enjoy the fun, game-based activities afforded by telepractice. The
uniqueness, and perhaps even the greatness, when offering the close
therapist child interaction through the online venue, is the seamless
integration of that personal touch and technology.
For those
students who find it easier to focus on the computer than when the
therapist is in the same room, telepractice is simply a no-brainer.
Distractions such as the way the therapist is sitting, disruptive
clothing, or outer movements in the room are simply not concerns in
during teletherapy.
For the others who could succeed either way, telepractice offers a new dimension by drawing upon and capitalizing on the advantages provided by the ever-expanding universe of websites and apps expressly designed to providing materials, games, exercises for the children.
But never do these amazing digital tools replace the one-on-one therapeutical interaction between clinician and child. They are simply available to enhance it.
Speech therapy was initially designed and is meant to remain within the domain of the therapist working intimately with child, never to be given over to digital substitutes.
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