What to Expect from Your Child’s First Online Speech Therapy Session

What to Expect from Your Child’s First Online Speech Therapy Session

Starting online speech therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. Whether your child is working on articulation, language development, fluency, or social communication skills, the first virtual session is designed to be a comfortable and engaging experience for both you and your child.

Online speech therapy provides the same professional support as in-person sessions but with the added convenience of participating from home. If your child is about to begin virtual speech therapy, this guide will walk you through what happens during the first session, how to prepare, and what to expect moving forward.

What Is the Purpose of the First Online Speech Therapy Session?

The first session is a virtual evaluation that helps the speech-language pathologist (SLP):

✔ Assess your child’s current speech and language abilities.
✔ Identify specific areas that need support.
✔ Develop a personalized treatment plan with clear goals.
✔ Guide parents on how to reinforce skills at home.

The therapist will use interactive conversation, play-based activities, and structured speech tasks to evaluate your child’s communication strengths and challenges.

What Happens During the First Online Speech Therapy Session?

1. Parent Consultation and Case History Discussion

The session begins with a conversation between the speech therapist and parent. The therapist will ask about:

• Your child’s speech and language development history (e.g., first words, milestones).

• Any concerns you’ve noticed (e.g., unclear speech, frustration, stuttering).

• Family history of speech or language delays.

• How your child communicates at home and with others.

• Any medical background (e.g., ear infections, hearing concerns, developmental delays).

This discussion helps the therapist understand your child’s unique needs and how to tailor therapy accordingly.

2. Informal Play-Based Observation (For Younger Children)

For toddlers and preschoolers, much of the evaluation happens through play-based interaction using:

• Online games, digital flashcards, or virtual storybooks to encourage speech and engagement.

• Everyday objects or toys from your home to prompt conversation and observe language use.

• Simple following-direction activities to assess comprehension.

The goal is to keep the session fun and interactive, while the therapist observes how your child:

✔ Uses and understands words.
✔ Forms sentences and phrases.
✔ Pronounces sounds and words correctly.
✔ Interacts socially through conversation.

For older children, the therapist may:

• Ask your child to describe a picture or retell a short story.

• Engage in structured back-and-forth conversation.

• Play a word association or vocabulary-building game.

These activities help the therapist gather valuable information about speech clarity, vocabulary, and language skills.

3. Speech and Language Assessments

Depending on your child’s needs, the therapist may conduct structured speech and language assessments using digital tools and verbal interaction.

The therapist may evaluate:

• Articulation (Speech Clarity): Can your child pronounce sounds correctly?

• Receptive Language (Understanding): Does your child follow instructions and process verbal information?

• Expressive Language (Speaking Ability): How well does your child form sentences and express ideas?

• Fluency (Stuttering): Does your child struggle with smooth speech or repeat sounds frequently

• Social Communication (Pragmatics): Does your child understand conversational turn-taking and nonverbal cues?

These assessments are engaging and age-appropriate, designed to feel like natural conversation rather than a formal test.

4. Discussing Initial Findings

After the assessment, the therapist will share initial observations, including:

• Your child’s strengths in communication.

• Any speech sound errors, language delays, or fluency concerns noted.

• Whether formal therapy is recommended and what the next steps should be.

This is also a great time for parents to ask questions about their child’s communication development.

5. Developing a Personalized Therapy Plan

If ongoing speech therapy is recommended, the therapist will outline a customized treatment plan that includes:

🎯 Specific therapy goals (e.g., improving articulation of certain sounds, expanding vocabulary, increasing sentence length).
📆 Session frequency and structure (e.g., once or twice a week, 30-45 minute sessions).
🏡 At-home practice activities to reinforce progress between sessions.

Every plan is designed to fit your child’s individual needs and learning style.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Online Speech Therapy Session

1. Set Up a Distraction-Free Space

✅ Choose a quiet, well-lit area in the house.
✅ Use a table or desk instead of a couch or bed.
✅ Keep toys, TV, and other distractions out of reach unless the therapist requests them for activities.

2. Test Your Technology in Advance

✅ Check Wi-Fi connectivity for a smooth session.
✅ Use headphones if needed for better sound quality.
✅ Ensure the camera is positioned at eye level so the therapist can see your child’s face and mouth.

3. Have Necessary Materials Ready

Depending on the session, the therapist may request:
✅ Paper and crayons for drawing or writing exercises.
✅ Favorite books or toys for interactive speech practice.
✅ Any printable worksheets provided before the session.

4. Help Your Child Understand What to Expect

For younger children:

• Explain that they will see a friendly teacher on the screen who will play games and talk with them.

• Reassure them that there are no wrong answers and that it will be fun.

For older children:

• Let them know the therapist is there to help make talking easier.

• If they feel nervous, encourage them to ask questions and participate.

5. Be Ready to Assist When Needed

While many children can participate independently, younger children may need help staying engaged or following directions.

✅ Stay nearby but allow the therapist to lead the session.
✅ Assist only if the therapist asks you to help with reminders, prompts, or technical issues.
✅ Reinforce the session’s key takeaways through daily conversation and play.

What Happens After the First Session?

After the session, the therapist will:
✔ Summarize the findings and explain any recommendations.
✔ Provide a schedule for follow-up sessions if therapy is needed.
✔ Share at-home activities to reinforce progress between sessions.

Many children look forward to virtual speech therapy because it is interactive, engaging, and designed to be fun.

Final Thoughts

Your child’s first online speech therapy session is designed to be a positive, low-stress experience that sets the stage for speech and language improvement. By preparing your child and creating a distraction-free environment, you can help them get the most out of each session.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, reach out to us today to schedule a free online evaluation. Early support can make a lasting impact on your child’s communication skills and confidence!