Teletherapy is defined as "performing language, speech, voice and swallowing evaluation and intervention remotely using telecommunication technology". Meeting via video conferencing is the most valid teletherapy service. Although teletherapy service in speech and language therapy has been available for a while, its acceptance rate as an effective intervention tool has remained limited due to the negative judgments of clients/patients towards the service. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, distance therapy, like distance education, has become a necessity. There are some characteristics that individuals who can benefit from this service must have. While some of these features are inevitable in the individual receiving therapy, in some cases support is requested from the parent or caregiver of the child or adult.
- Sensory features such as vision and hearing,
- Screen physical stamina to sit in front of the desk and use a keyboard, mouse, etc. when necessary. Physical features such as dexterity for use,
- Behavioral features such as being able to sit in front of the camera and reducing extra movements and maintaining attention,
- Cognitive functionality,
- Teletherapy Motivational features such as willingness to receive service,
- Communicative features such as auditory comprehension, literacy, speech intelligibility,
- Computer etc. Access and usability of technology such as, suitable environment for teletherapy (a quiet room with low distractions), and support sources in solving technological problems are the points that should be taken into consideration.
In the light of the studies conducted, teletherapy in the evaluation or therapy of various language and speech disorders. It is possible to say that service can be provided through In addition to evaluation and therapy, it is also important to educate parents or caregivers through counseling and to include them more in the intervention process. Speech sound disorders, stuttering, delayed language-speech, autism and neurodevelopmental disorders and nutritional disorders are more common in children; In adults, studies are found in areas such as aphasia (language loss of neurogenic origin), dysarthria (speech disorder due to muscle weakness), voice and swallowing disorders. Although teletherapy cannot replace face-to-face intervention, service accessibility, It should be taken into consideration that it has advantages such as the ability of the patient/client to meet with a therapist who is an expert in the field, being more cost-effective, the possibility of recording, and easily accessible materials in the digital environment. The speech and language therapist will decide on the child or adult's need for therapy and suitability for teletherapy after the evaluation.
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