The use of technology with children in speech and language therapy

Abstract

The current research investigates the perceptions and practices of high-tech use during speech and language therapy among Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) and parents. Participants included 51 SLPs working in the Public and/or Private Sector and 50 parents whose children attend speech and language therapy in one of the Primary Health Centres. Two questionnaires were devised by the researcher, one for the SLPs and one for the parents. Quantitative data obtained from the questionnaires compared the perceptions of the two participant groups and also compared independent variables which might have an effect on technology use. Questionnaire findings showed that technology use is very popular among SLPs of all age groups and across all sectors. The tablet was found to be the most used device to serve different functions. Parent questionnaire findings showed that slightly more than half of their children use technology during therapy. Its use was found to be independent of the child’s age, diagnosis and location of the clinic. Qualitative data was obtained through six one-to-one SLP interviews. The interviews aimed to obtain more in-depth information. Five themes were derived: a) increased popularity of high-tech use during sessions; b) the advantages of hightech use; c) the disadvantages of high-tech use; d) the criteria followed when choosing apps for clinical purposes; e) the need for training on how to use devices in clinical settings. This research shed light on the current use of technology and on specific measures that would enhance high-tech use in the clinical setting.