Virtual therapy has become an important part of pediatric speech-language services—particularly during the winter months, when illness and weather can easily disrupt schedules.
At Exemplary Speech Services, we offer virtual sessions in place of in-person therapy when appropriate. Although teletherapy isn’t a perfect fit for every child, many families find it to be a flexible and effective way to stay consistent. When coming into the clinic isn’t possible, virtual sessions help maintain progress and improve access to care. Below, we share the benefits, limitations, and research-informed considerations that guide our approach.
What Is Teletherapy in Speech-Language Pathology?
Virtual therapy (also called teletherapy or telepractice) involves delivering speech-language services through secure video platforms, allowing clients to participate in therapy from home. As virtual care continues to grow, understanding its role—especially during high-risk winter months—has become more important than ever.
Benefits of Teletherapy During Winter
1. Fewer Cancellations & Stronger Continuity of Care
During the winter, traditional in-person visits are often canceled due to illness, travel concerns, or hazardous weather. Virtual appointments help keep sessions on track without exposing families to extra germs or unsafe driving conditions. Research shows that telepractice supports treatment consistency and reduces weather-related disruptions (ASHA, 2023).
2. Improved Access for Rural & Underserved Families
Teletherapy reduces barriers for families who:
- live far from specialists
- have limited transportation options
- need flexible scheduling
- reside in areas with provider shortages
Studies consistently show improved access to care for geographically isolated or underserved communities through telepractice (Gabel et al., 2021; Wales et al., 2017).
3. Increased Caregiver Participation
Because sessions happen at home, parents and caregivers can observe, participate, and learn strategies directly. As a result, this often leads to stronger carryover and more naturalistic practice throughout the week.
At Exemplary Speech Services, we truly value this benefit. Even for our youngest clients who may not yet be able to sit in front of a screen and interact directly with their therapist, teletherapy can still be incredibly effective. In these cases, therapy time is often spent coaching parents while the therapist educates, trains, and provides real-time feedback. This allows parents to experience exactly how to support their child at home—an essential component of long-term success.
That said, there are still limitations that may make virtual an inequitable choice for some families. Read on to learn more.
Equity Challenges in Pediatric Teletherapy
1. Digital Divide: Technology & Internet Access
Not all families have access to:
- strong Wi-Fi
- updated devices
- private, quiet spaces
Broadband access remains a significant predictor of teletherapy success (Hall et al., 2021).
2. Caregiver Availability
Teletherapy often requires an adult to be present for redirection or technical support. For working parents or single-parent households, this can be difficult to manage consistently.
3. Cultural & Linguistic Barriers
Some families may require multilingual support or culturally responsive strategies that can be more challenging to implement through a virtual platform.
Taken together, these inequities mean teletherapy can support many families while unintentionally excluding others—unless systems proactively address these gaps.
Is Teletherapy Effective for Speech Therapy?
The research says: generally yes—but with limits.
For many therapy goals, including articulation, language intervention, and parent coaching, teletherapy has been shown to produce outcomes comparable to in-person services.
- Wales et al. (2017) found telepractice outcomes to be “as effective as face-to-face therapy.”
- Grogan-Johnson et al. (2013) demonstrated similar progress between teletherapy and onsite school-based services.
However, teletherapy may be less ideal for:
- children with significant sensory or behavioral challenges
- children who require oral-motor or hands-on cueing
- detailed oral mechanism exams or swallowing-related concerns
In these situations, a hybrid or in-person model may be more appropriate.
Conclusion: Teletherapy Is a Winter Advantage—But Equity Must Stay at the Center
Teletherapy offers meaningful benefits during the winter by reducing cancellations, supporting families through illness, and expanding access to care. Additionally, it allows underserved communities to receive consistent speech therapy despite transportation or geographic barriers.
When used intentionally—often as part of a hybrid model—teletherapy helps children continue building communication skills safely and consistently throughout the winter season and beyond.
If you’re still wondering whether a virtual session would be effective for your child, please reach out to your therapist here at Exemplary Speech Services. We’d be happy to talk through your options together.
Interested in services with us? We offer immediate scheduling and accept many major insurance plans. We’d love to be part of your child’s therapy journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection-building skills. Reach out today!
