6 Telepractice Preparation Tips
What is Telepractice? Telepractice is delivering speech/language therapy using technology when the service provider (speech-language pathologist) is in a different location than the client. Other names for telepractice include telespeech, teleaudiology, speech teletherapy, or telerehabilitation. Clinicians report using telepractice to address multiple speech and language disorders, including articulation disorders, autism, dysarthria, language disorders, cognitive disorders, dysphagia, and voice disorders (American Speech Language-Hearing Association, 2010).
Set up your computer, ensuring you have access to a stable Wi-Fi connection and valid meeting link prior to session start time.
Find a comfortable quiet place in your home that is free from distractions.
Set aside a snack or few toys that your child may want to share with the therapist.
Remove any distracting toys, games, music, TV or electronic devices that may reduce your child's attention during learning.
Prepare your child with a visual or verbal reminder before the session begins so they can anticipate what is going to happen soon in their daily routine.
Loosen up! Breathe! Let's have some fun!
References: American Speech-Language Hearing Association. (2010). Professional Issues in Telepractice for Speech-Language Pathologists [Professional Issues Statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy