How Teletherapy is Changing Pediatric Speech and Feeding Therapy
Over the past several years, families have seen a major shift in how therapy is delivered. What once required an in-person clinic visit can now happen in the comfort of your own home. Telehealth speech therapy—sometimes called online speech therapy or pediatric teletherapy—is transforming the way children receive support for speech, language, and feeding needs.
Pediatric teletherapy uses secure video platforms to connect children and families with licensed speech-language pathologists. Through interactive, play-based activities, children can work on the same goals they would in a clinic—such as articulation, feeding skills, or social communication—while parents receive guidance in real time.
Benefits of Online Speech Therapy for Children
Families are discovering that virtual therapy is not only convenient but also highly effective. Some of the key benefits include:
Improved access to care: Children in rural areas or with limited local resources can connect with a qualified therapist.
Flexibility for families: Busy parents can schedule sessions without travel time, making therapy easier to fit into daily life.
Parent involvement: Teletherapy naturally involves caregivers, empowering parents to reinforce strategies outside of sessions.
Comfort of home: Many children feel more at ease practicing new skills in their familiar environment.
Consistency: Fewer cancellations due to weather, travel, or illness mean children can progress steadily.
How Effective Is Telehealth Speech Therapy?
Research has shown that online speech therapy can be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions, especially when families are actively involved. Many children make strong progress with articulation, fluency, language, and even feeding therapy through virtual formats. For feeding therapy, therapists can observe mealtimes in a child’s natural setting, which often provides better insight into real-life challenges.
One of the most powerful impacts of pediatric teletherapy is the way it expands access. Families who previously had to drive long distances or wait months for appointments can now begin therapy quickly. This early access is especially important when it comes to communication and feeding, where early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes.
As technology continues to evolve, telehealth speech therapy will remain a vital part of pediatric care. Whether used on its own or alongside in-person sessions, online therapy gives families more options and flexibility—helping children get the support they need, when they need it.
At Fisher-Jost Therapy, we are proud to offer both in-person and teletherapy services to meet families where they are and help every child thrive.