Why in-home speech or feeding therapy? What’s all the hype?

There are SO many options nowadays when planning therapy for your child. In fact, it can seem overwhelming at times. You may be asking yourself these questions: Where do I start? Do I need to go through my pediatrician? Is my child really delayed or need therapy? Am I starting too early?

I would just like to state that I have worked in a VARIETY of environments and what works best for one child may not always work in favor of another. I wrote this article in hopes of explaining the benefits of in-home speech therapy and answering questions that parents may have when making an educated decision about therapy services. I would like to share my knowledge and explain why you should consider in-home speech therapy as a viable option. In-home speech therapy offers a unique opportunity to parents and children.

Family involvement- This is probably the biggest pro in my opinion of in-home therapy. I always encourage parents to watch, listen, and learn how they can work with their children after a session. It also gives them confidence so that they know exactly what and how to work on with their child.

Natural environment- In our training as SLP’s we are constantly reminded to make sure therapy is functional, meaning allowing for real-life situations and functional use of communication skills. For example, I was in a home and the child I was working with was trying to talk to me about what she did outside. She was frustrated due to difficult intelligibility of speech, but based on context clues I could determine that she was trying to say that she “went down the slide”. We went outside and practiced saying “slide” with our best s-blend sound! The child and I had an instant connection and I am immediately more relatable to her. Instead of giving her a lengthy, confusing assignment, I told her to go outside everyday and when she goes down the slide she needs to proudly produce her /S/ sound.

Many children also feel the most comfortable in their home and are more willing to participate and engage in their own environment. I have worked with children who can’t wait to show me their favorite toys or pet after working hard in a session. Often times, I am instrumental in helping them say their dog’s name correctly for the first time or asking their Mom for a snack in a complete question with correct syntax. That is the most rewarding feeling for me in the world! These situations would not always arise when in a another therapy environment.

Saving time & convenience- Living in the DFW metroplex, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to sit in traffic…especially when everything is so spread out! As a busy parent you are trying to pick up the kids from school, take them to numerous appointments, feed them, help them with homework, and get them ready for the next day. You may feel like you are driving your loved ones for hours. In-home speech and feeding therapy offers a chance for parents and caregivers to be actively involved in therapy without rushing around. Bonus: you also do not have to worry about bad weather!

Thanks for reading!