Chatterbots offers teletherapy services (also known as telehealth) where access to traditional face-to-face speech pathology services is difficult.
What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is speech therapy delivered ‘virtually’, via video conferencing. Also known as ‘Telehealth’, this service delivery model has traditionally been used by remote communities where access to face-to-face therapy is a challenge. Technology has transformed the way clinical services can be delivered, and Chatterbots is pleased to be able to offer teletherapy services.
How does it work?
Teletherapy involves a therapist and a client interacting via video-conference on a 1 to 1 basis just like they would in a face-to-face setting. A therapist is able to interact in real-time, share resources, play games and set tasks, and a client is able to respond accordingly.
Chatterbots teletherapy is delivered via Zoom. At the time of making your booking, we’ll email you a Zoom link which you click on at the time of your appointment. Just follow the prompts to allow Zoom to access your camera and microphone and join the online session.
What do I need for a teletherapy session?
A laptop, desktop or tablet; (a smartphone will work also, although is less desirable given the smaller size)
If using a laptop of desktop, it must be equipped with a camera, microphone and speakers (most modern laptops have these as standard)
Internet connection
We also recommend that you find a quiet, comfortable location from which to participate in the session
Will I need to download any software or apps?
Generally, no. If accessing Zoom via an iOS or Android device, you may need to download the Zoom app. The link we send you will be unique to the scheduled session, and will automatically allow us to connect with live video.
We recommend that you run a quick test to check that everything is in order before the session - you can do so here.
Has teletherapy been proven to be effective for speech therapy services?
The idea of using communication technology to enhance speech pathology practice is not new. Research into telepractice has been conducted since the 1970s, and given the rapid growth in inexpensive technology in this area, there has been significant growth in telepractice as a service delivery model for speech and language therapy.
Research has been conducted on the efficacy of telehealth delivery speech and language therapy, detail of which can be found here.
Additionally, Speech Pathology Australia has released a Position Statement on Telepractice in Speech Pathology which supports the use of telepractice as a service delivery model where it is based on current evidence-based practice, and is at least equivalent to standard clinical care. Chatterbots follows the guidelines laid out by Speech Pathology Australia, and would be pleased to provide a copy of this Position Statement upon request.
Can all therapy types be delivered by teletherapy?
Certain therapy services (for example, those focused on swallowing) cannot be delivered remotely given the nature of the interaction needed between therapist and client. It is however suitable for therapy to address focus areas such as:
Speech development
Language development
Literacy difficulties
Social communication skills
Fluency
Is there anything else that I need to have available to make teletherapy as engaging as possible?
Chatterbots will work with you to identify and/or provide certain resources that may make teletherapy as engaging as possible for your child. Should we consider it beneficial for your particular clinical need, we will provide a home therapy pack that includes items to support therapy (for example, a whiteboard for your child to write/draw on).
What does my home environment need to be like to participate effectively in remote therapy?
Just like with face-to-face therapy, you will need a quiet space, free from distractions. For older children, a device on a table or desk is sufficient. For younger children, we recommend some floor space so we can get active and have fun!