Telehealth Speech Therapy for Kids: Myths, Benefits, and How It Works
- Brooke Dawson
- Aug 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Many parents worry about online therapy.
Will my child sit still? Will they learn? Will it feel personal?
All these worries make sense. It's still pretty new in the grand scheme of things, and it's different. So it's only natural to wonder whether it could work for your child.
But the truth is, telehealth works. For many families, it actually makes therapy easier, not harder. Let’s look at the benefits, and bust a few myths along the way.
Here's what we'll cover:
Family Benefits of Telehealth Speech Therapy
There's several reasons why online therapy could be a great option for your family. Here are some common highlights we've heard:
No travel stress: Log in from home. No rushing, no traffic.
More consistent: Fewer missed sessions due to sickness or bad weather. This could mean steadier progress compared to in-person sessions.
Parents involved: You learn the strategies too, so you can keep progress going. This is one of the biggest benefits of speech therapy online: parents get tools they can use every day.
Comfortable: Kids are in their own space with their own toys.
Access anywhere: You can see the right speech pathologist even if they live far away.
Example: Instead of driving across town after daycare, you can join from your lounge room. Even if your child is in their pyjamas.
Myth vs Reality
It can be daunting to try online therapy, especially if it's not something your child has done before. Let's break down some of the common myths we hear about telehealth together.
Myth 1: My toddler won’t sit still.
Reality: That’s normal. Telehealth for little ones is often about coaching parents, not holding toddlers at the screen. This parent-coaching model is a proven method in online speech therapy. Your therapist can be flexible and move between directly engaging with your little one and supporting you to confidently incorporate strategies between sessions.
Example: A therapist might guide you while your child builds with blocks. They’ll show you how to model new words during play.
Myth 2: Kids won’t engage through a screen.
Reality: Many do. Online tools and games keep kids motivated. Plus, if your child's therapist has taken the time to get to know your child's interests and personality, this often results in increased engagement. I've also observed some introverted children who find it easier to communicate with someone via a screen, as it takes the pressure off!
Example: A 6-year-old might practise speech sounds while playing an online treasure hunt game with their therapist.
Myth 3: Online therapy feels less personal.
Reality: Parents are often more involved, because you're sitting next to your child and getting to see first-hand exactly what the therapist is doing. Plus, therapy happens in real spaces, like your kitchen table or playroom.
Example: If your child struggles at mealtimes, the therapist can coach you live while you sit at the table together.
Myth 4: What if the internet drops out?
Reality: Therapists are ready for this. They can reschedule, switch to audio, or give you simple home activities.
Example: If the video drops, you might get a follow-up game sheet to keep practising until the next session.
Telehealth for Toddlers (18 months – 3 years)
Here's a brief look at what an online speech therapy session might look like for a child in this age range:
Short and flexible sessions that fit around naps. Online speech therapy can be tailored to match your child’s daily rhythm.
Focus on everyday routines like mealtimes and play. Telehealth uses the child’s natural environment, which helps skills stick.
Parents learn how to build communication strategies into daily life.
These sessions are often less structured, as the therapist will follow the child's lead. I've had a client who loved playing with her dad's headphones during the session. So, I'd often follow along and show the parent how to model language for her as she played.
Sometimes your child isn't interested in engaging directly with the therapist, and that's okay too. Because language development at this age is so strongly correlated to parent modelling, it's a great set up for you to get dedicated support from a therapist so you can make the most of moments at home throughout the day.
Example: Bath time becomes therapy time. Your therapist may show you how to use words like “wash”, "more" and “splash” as you play together.
Telehealth for Kindy/School-Aged (4 – 8 years)
As your child gets a bit older, the structure of online therapy can change slightly as your child is more likely ready to engage directly with their therapist. Here's what it might look like:
Fun online games and visual tools that are tailored to your child's personal interests and learning style.
Kids build independence, while parents learn strategies too.
More consistent practice since there’s no travel.
Example: Your child might practice their speech sounds in sentences, then play a quiz game to practise using it correctly in conversation. You can watch and use the same tips later (often I'll have kids ask me to send through the games we played so they can play them again with you!).
FAQs: Parents’ Biggest Questions About Online Speech Therapy
Q: What if my child doesn’t like screens?
A: That’s okay. For toddlers, the focus is on you, not the screen. For older kids, sessions use fun, short activities so they’re not staring at a screen the whole time.
Q: Will telehealth be as effective as in-person therapy?
A: Research shows it’s just as effective. Sometimes it’s even better, because therapy happens in the home environment where kids use their skills every day. And some kids find less pressure practicing new skills (that are generally out of their comfort zone) via a screen instead of having to sit beside a therapist face-to-face.
Q: Do I need special equipment?
A: No. A phone, tablet, or laptop with internet is enough. Your therapist will guide you.
Q: What happens if the internet drops out?
A: No worries. Therapists are used to this and will adapt: reschedule, try audio only, or send you activities to keep going.
The Bottom Line: Why it Works
Telehealth isn’t “second best.” It’s effective, flexible, and family-friendly.
Whether your child is a busy toddler or a curious 7-year-old, telehealth can meet them where they are: at home!
Next Steps: Support for Your Family
Choosing a speech therapist can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it all out alone. Here are some ways we can make it easier:
Learn more about our approach: Visit our Services page to learn more about how we do telehealth speech therapy at Little Gumnut Speech.
Ask us directly: If you have a question that wasn't covered here, send us a note through our Contact page.
See if we're the right fit: Book a free intro call here. We can chat about your child, answer your questions, and help you decide if our approach feels right for your family.
Written by Brooke, Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and founder of Little Gumnut Speech. We provide telehealth speech therapy across Australia, helping families feel confident, supported, and empowered at every step.
Last updated 20 Aug 2025.
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