Virtual (teletherapy) speech therapy targeting social skills
By Mallory Griffith, MA, CCC-SLP
This is a blog post I didn't anticipate writing at the beginning of 2020 - why virtual speech therapy targeting social skills may be just what you're looking for. Hah. Initially, I scoffed at the idea - how can we (speech language pathologists) coach pragmatic language skills (social communication) in a setting that is fundamentally less social? I complained about it to anyone who would listen. Zoom fatigue. No in person interactions. My list was lengthy.
Here's the thing though. I've changed my mind.
Coaching social communication skills through tele-therapy is different (not better, not worse), just different. I've observed that the subtle differences in the delivery model seems to set some clients up for success. In the roughly eight months of data collected, I am noticing some patterns in predictors/considerations of teletherapy success (will a teletherapy platform work for you or your child?).
Things to consider when thinking about trying virtual social skills therapy:
Does talking to a new person, face-to-face, induce significant social anxiety? If so, decreasing the anxiety by using a screen to facilitate your social skills therapy goals may be a great launching point. Decreasing anxiety can increase the amount of time spent actively targeting social skills.
Technology broadens options for coaching skills and providing feedback. Video modeling can provide a real life opportunity for evaluating social skills (things like conversation skills, body language, tone of voice, facial expression, etc!) Videos can pause and responses can be mapped out. For our visual learners out there, being able to clearly model target behaviors within social scenarios can be invaluable.
Video footage can increase self-awareness. While it is easy to observe the person we are talking to, we are rarely able to attain that information about ourselves. I love the self-reflection that comes with seeing yourself communicate. It becomes easier to monitor your own social skills when you have a video recording of your target skill. Video footage paired with self analysis is an effective tool for children and adults.
Access to quality providers. In many rural areas, speech therapists who target social skills or a social skills group is simply not an option unless you have the ability to drive three hours for services. One point for teletherapy. If you have a quality internet connection it opens the door to unlimited pragmatic social skill support.
Access to groups. I strongly advocate for power of social skills groups. In my office, I run multiple social skills groups. Here's what I like about groups. 1) Groups provide a safe environment for practicing your targeted goals in social situations (everyone attending is working on social!) 2) Foster a sense of camaraderie while growing social problem solving skills. Real life social situations with the predictable structure of a group promote generalization and positive practice. 3) A well-matched group (consisting of people with similar skills) runs almost as smoothly though teletherapy as it does in person. In this time of social distancing, it provides an option for participants to interact with each other.
A friendly, quick reminder of what social communication skills speech therapy may support
Conversational skills – How do people make small talk? How do I know if I’m talking too much? Not enough? etc.
Social problem solving – What is the size of the problem? What are some ‘expected’ solutions? How can I be more flexible?
Using an appropriate voice for the setting – Using a “whiny” or “baby” voice is ‘unexpected’ when talking to your teacher – mumbling or speaking too quietly through a presentation is also unexpected.
Understanding non-verbal cues – Eye contact, body space, facial expression, etc.
Using appropriate non-verbal skills – Keeping your body in the group, eye contact, using facial expression and gestures
Navigating figurative language and implied meaning – strategies to help identify what people “really” mean
Strategies to join a new group, turn an acquaintance into a friend, get noticed in a good way by your fellow students.
If you find yourself exploring social skills resources (both one on one and/or group therapy), I would encourage you to give teletherapy session a try.
You may be surprised by its multifaceted approach to supporting you or your child's social language goals. It's growing on me. I can see how its use could revolutionize access and initiation of services for so many children and adults.
To find a therapist or group, start with some googling. Explore your options. If you are looking for a starting point, please call or email me. In the least self-promoting way possible, I would love to help you navigate the process of finding the right support team (even if it's not me).
Best,
Mallory
