The COVID-19 pandemic threw all of us for a loop. As schools and clinics closed their doors, I found myself asking a big question: how do we continue providing essential services like speech, occupational, and physical therapy? The answer for many of us was to pivot to online therapy, or telehealth. But did it actually work? Was it as effective as in-person therapy?
I’ll be honest with you, I was skeptical at first. But I’ve now made the switch to online therapy for about 90% of the children on my caseload, and my answer to whether it’s effective is a definite “yes.” In fact, some of the kids I’m working with have actually made more progress online than they did when they were physically coming into the clinic.
Of course, as with anything in life, online therapy has both positives and negatives. Let me share some of my observations to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your child.
What I’ve Found is Good About Online Therapy
First and foremost, I’ve realized that online therapy is better than no therapy at all. During a pandemic when other options were off the table, it was the best way to ensure children continued to receive care.
Online therapy provides children with face-to-face interaction with someone who is specifically there for them. I prepare lessons designed specifically for each child, giving them an opportunity to speak, ask questions, and simply interact with someone outside of their immediate family. This is especially important during a time of social isolation.
Another big plus is the stability and consistency it provides. With daily routines changing overnight, seeing the same therapist face-to-face—even if it’s just on a screen—keeps children in a routine and helps them adjust to our “new normal.” As many of us know, therapists often become a big presence in children’s lives, and it’s important to maintain that connection.
From my perspective, many aspects of therapy are easily transferable to an online format. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well children have adapted. In this day and age, most kids are well-versed in electronics, so they have very little trouble getting used to it. What seems difficult to us as adults is often very easily learned by children. I was particularly impressed when some of my most severe patients adapted to it easily and even seemed to be enjoying it!
Finally, I’ve heard from so many parents that online therapy eases their workload just a little. You get to stay home. You don’t have to worry about getting everyone dressed and out the door on time. It takes seconds to log on, making it easier to keep appointments. And you don’t have to worry about keeping other siblings occupied in a waiting room.
The Drawbacks I’ve Noticed
While I’ve seen great success with online speech therapy, it’s not a perfect solution for every child or every situation.
One of the biggest challenges can be technology and connectivity issues. A poor internet connection or a malfunctioning device can disrupt a session, which can be frustrating for both the child and me.
Some types of therapy, particularly those that are very physical or “hands-on,” can be difficult to translate online. While I can guide a child through exercises, I can’t physically assist them in the way I would in a clinic.
Additionally, while the convenience of home is a huge plus, the home environment can also be a source of distraction. Other family members, pets, or toys can make it tough for a child to focus fully on our session.
For many children, online therapy also requires a parent to be present to help facilitate the session. While this can be a great way for parents to learn strategies, it’s an added responsibility that might not be feasible for every family.
In my experience, online therapy has been a lifesaver, providing a way to maintain progress and offer a sense of routine during a very chaotic time. It’s not a perfect substitute for in-person therapy in every case, but it’s a powerful tool that has proven to be incredibly effective for many of the children I work with.
- The New Normal: A Look at Online Therapy for Special Needs Children - August 14, 2025
- The New Normal: A Look at Online Therapy for Special Needs Children - August 14, 2025
- The New Normal: A Look at Online Therapy for Special Needs Children - August 14, 2025
