ByStuttering starts from an early age. While many children outgrow the symptoms, almost 25% of them will continue to exhibit signs of speech disorder into adulthood. Specialized centers for stuttering speech therapy offer a ray of hope for such children. Their tailored interventions and support mechanisms can significantly help in improving communication skills and overall quality of life. The teletherapy speech services for stuttering move a step further. As a parent or caregiver of a stuttering child, online speech services can prove beneficial for your child if you fail to connect with a physical center for stuttering therapy near me. But are they as effective as the ‘in-person’ services? Let’s find out:
What Is Teletherapy Speech Service?
A teletherapy speech service is a technologically advanced treatment approach that helps you get in touch with a speech therapist without actually having to visit the center physically. The trained and certified speech therapist uses a multitude of techniques to help you overcome speaking difficulties.
Unlike the traditional speech therapy model that works only in ‘in-person’ mode, the online services offer assistance in a better and faster manner. Let’s check out what makes teletherapy speech services a better pick:
How Does a Teletherapy Speech Session Work?
A speech therapy session is an effective treatment approach that helps children overcome signs of stuttering and stammering. When administered in an online manner, it starts with a series of individual consultation sessions with in-depth stuttering evaluations.
As stuttering can be categorized under different heads, the speech therapist looks into cases of developmental stuttering, neurogenic stuttering, psychogenic stuttering, or acquired stuttering. As each type is triggered by a different set of factors, a customized and individual therapy session is designed for the patient.
Benefits Of Teletherapy Speech Session
There are several factors that make online speech and occupational therapy stand out. Here are some of the key benefits that one tends to enjoy:
Access To Specialized Centres – The most prominent advantage of online speech therapy is easy access to the best and most specialized centers. One may be residing in any part of the world, but the top-rated services are available in just a few clicks.
Convenience – Online speech therapy is revered for its flexibility. A parent said, “With no more commuting issues to reach the center for occupational therapy pediatric near me, it fits easily into my daily routine without disrupting work schedules”.
Highly Effective – Studies show that teletherapy speech services are just as effective as in-person sessions. Statistics show that it is particularly helpful in correcting stuttering and improving speech fluency.
What To Expect From An Online Session?
Once your child embarks on the teletherapy session for stuttering, the first and foremost will be the initial assessment. During this session, a trained speech therapist will evaluate the speech patterns and identify the exact type of stuttering. Different factors and behaviors that trigger stuttering are taken note of. This assessment will help draft a customized treatment plan.
The Stuttering Treatment Plan
The stuttering treatment plan that is formulated to address your child’s needs will involve various exercises and techniques. These will specifically target at reducing the frequency and severity of the stuttering episodes. A general treatment plan includes any or all of the following:
- Fluency Shaping – This is a therapeutic approach that relies on different strategies and exercises to help modify speech patterns. It specifically aims to increase speech fluency and reduce repetitions, prolongations, and blocks. Much stress is laid on gentle speaking and slow speaking which increases control over speech production.
- Stuttering Modification Strategies – Some techniques modify the way one stutters, making it feel less obvious. Desensitization exercises and pause plans are the best ways to approach this.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – For children stuttering due to emotional and psychological reasons, the combination therapy works best. Tress is laid on managing anxiety and other behavioral issues that affect the speaking pattern.
- Practical Applications – Tools like Virtual Reality (VR) Simulations help create realistic environments and allow real-time feedback and guidance from therapists. Top-rated centers rely on computer-based software to track progress.
- Group Therapy – One also has the option of seeking individual help or being a part of group therapy sessions. With virtual groups allowing global participation, one can easily overcome the feelings of stigma and isolation, realizing that they are not alone in this struggle.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to tackling speech disorders, an early intervention is the key to maximizing results. If you feel that your child shows signs of stuttering and speech disorder, seek an appointment with a speech-language pathologist who specializes in pediatric management. The teletherapy speech services available at LA Speech Therapy Solutions offer help beyond the physical geographical barriers. Based out in Los Angeles, the center caters to the requirements of stuttering kids all across the globe through its online program approach and advanced technological support. The center is known for its team of certified speech-language pathologists with over 20 years of collective clinical experience. Seek an appointment today to understand how their individual services and group workshops for children, teens, and young adults can benefit your child.
