Online Speech Therapy for the Very Young Child. Is this even possible?
Updated: Aug 25
If you are considering online speech therapy (also known as speech teletherapy) for your toddler or young preschooler, you may be asking yourself the following questions:
How does online speech therapy work for such a young child?
How will the therapist keep my child engaged and interested?
How will I be involved?
Does my child need to be able to sit and pay attention the whole time?
These are good questions. Read on (and watch the video below) to see how online speech therapy from Better Speech CAN work and DOES work for our youngest clients.
Watch the video with Clinical Director & Founder of Better Speech
First, let’s talk about speech therapy overall for this age group, whether it’s in-person or online therapy. We know that young children learn differently than older children and adults do. Young children learn through real-world activities, experiences, and daily routines. They learn by doing and engaging in a variety of everyday activities. We also know that toddlers and young preschoolers learn best through their interactions with family members.
Online Speech therapy can be beneficial to anyone.
For these reasons, many speech therapists incorporate the following elements into their treatment plans:
Building on the capacities of the parents/caregivers, recognizing that YOU know your child best and are your child’s primary ‘teacher.’
Using your everyday routines and activities as the basis for therapy (snack/meal time, bath time, getting dressed, play time, household tasks/chores, etc.).
Teaching parents & caregivers how to incorporate evidence-based therapy strategies into their daily routines and activities.
Emphasizing the importance of play as it relates to communication development and overall learning. Parents often learn new ways to play with their child that promote speech and language development.
With these factors in mind, therapy sessions are not required to be continuously direct and “hands-on” between therapist and child. Therapy sessions often involve discussion and idea-generating between therapist and parent/caregiver; guiding parents/caregivers through implementation of strategies; practice, feedback, observation, and reflection; and developing a plan for ‘practice’ in between therapy sessions. This last part is very important, because it is the parent/caregiver’s regular use of the strategy that is going to promote progress.
This model of providing speech therapy to young preschoolers and toddlers is supported by research and our understanding of child development. It also lends itself quite well to online speech therapy! In fact, I have heard many speech therapists comment that they feel online speech therapy actually enhances the therapy experience for both child and parent/caregiver. Why? It’s because the therapist is not physically present with the child, and must rely on guiding the parent in learning how to use strategies with the child. The parent takes an active role in therapy sessions, and becomes more skilled and comfortable using the strategies with the child during everyday activities and routines. This equates to more opportunities for the child to ‘practice,’ which in turn promotes greater progress.
If you have concerns about your toddler or young preschooler’s communication development, consider giving online speech therapy a try. Research shows that intervening early when there is a suspected speech or language delay improves outcomes for the child. And, you will feel more confident as you learn the best ways to interact with your child to promote early learning and communication development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can online speech therapy really work for toddlers who can't sit still or follow directions?
Yes, and it works surprisingly well. Skilled therapists use play-based activities, songs, and toys your child already loves to keep sessions engaging without requiring long attention spans. Sessions are often shorter and more flexible than in-person visits, which actually suits very young children better than a traditional clinic setting.
What age is too young to start online speech therapy?
Children as young as 12 to 18 months can benefit from online speech therapy, especially when a parent is actively involved in the session. Early intervention is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes, so if you have concerns about your child's communication, it is never too early to reach out to a licensed speech-language pathologist.
Does a parent need to be present during the session, and what is expected of them?
Yes, parental involvement is actually a key strength of teletherapy for very young children. You sit alongside your child, follow the therapist's guidance in real time, and learn techniques to practice throughout the week. This approach means your child receives support far beyond the therapy session itself, which speeds up progress significantly.
How do I know if my toddler's speech delay is serious enough to need professional help?
If your child is not babbling by 12 months, not using single words by 16 months, or not combining two words by 24 months, those are signs worth discussing with a professional. Better Speech offers licensed, insurance-ready speech-language pathologists with no waitlists, so you can get a qualified opinion quickly rather than wondering and waiting.
What does an online speech therapy session actually look like for a one or two year old?
Sessions feel more like structured play than formal therapy. A therapist might use bubbles, simple picture books, puppets, or familiar household toys shared over video to target specific sounds and language skills. The parent guides the child's attention while the therapist coaches from the screen, making the whole experience natural and low-pressure for young children.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
