Online Speech and Language Therapy for Children: Evidence Based Not a Second Best

SaplingSLT | Specialist Speech and Language Therapy for Children in Cheshire & Across the UK

Is online speech and language therapy effective for children?

With long NHS wait times and growing awareness of speech and language needs in young children, many families are exploring alternatives.

Online speech and language therapy is supported by evidence and can achieve the same outcomes as face-to-face therapy.

As in face-to-face therapy, what matters is quality. At SaplingSLT, online therapy is not a second‑best option. It is a carefully planned, evidence‑based service that prioritises early intervention. We started our online service during Covid-19 and found that for some families and children the online approach actually achieved better outcomes than face-to-face sessions. The success of online sessions drove us to continue the service and is now a huge part of what we do at SaplingSLT.

Waiting is not the answer

Many families are currently on the waitlist for face to face speech and language therapy.

• In the UK wait times can be 12 months or longer for assessment or intervention

  (Source: NHS England)

This delay can be critical. The early years are a key window for speech and language development and waiting can mean missed opportunities to build strong foundations.

At SaplingSLT we believe that online therapy should always be an option. We want to spread the word that online therapy is effective and should be considered so that families can make an informed decision about the method of therapy they choose for their child and know that they don’t have to wait.

My child won’t pay attention to a screen

The most misunderstood concept of online speech and language therapy is that it requires your child to be on the other side of the screen.

Just as in face to face therapy, the approach varies. Older children who have the attention skills to attend to a screen will benefit from this kind of direct approach. However, there are many other ways that online therapy can help your child without them needing to be at the other side of the screen.

For example, when working face to face with a child with minimal attention skills and social communication challenges the therapist’s target is not to encourage the child to pay attention to her but to provide the parents and care givers with the strategies to encourage the child to share attention with the people around them and communicate at home to the people they love the most. This same outcome can be achieved through online therapy.

We offer a free consultation for every family so that we can explore each child’s needs and discuss how online therapy would look for you.

Is online therapy a good fit for all?

As with any therapy approach there are some exceptions and online therapy does not aim to replace face to face therapy for all children. Online therapy might not work for every family or child. But we still think it should be a consideration for every family and child.

We believe that parents should have the opportunity to have a discussion with a speech and language therapist who specialises in online therapy so that an informed decision can be made.

Supporting your child’s communication now

If you are concerned about your child’s speech or language development, you do not have to wait.

Online speech and language therapy is an option that empowers parents and supports real‑life progress.

SaplingSLT – helping young voices grow, wherever you are.