Auditory Verbal therapy via telepractice

Telepractice is the delivery of services using telecommunication and online internet technology to remotely connect clinicians to healthcare providers for assessments and intervention.

Research has shown that children with hearing loss who, together with their parents, receive telepractice sessions perform at least as well in multiple measures of language outcomes as those who receive in-person sessions⁵². Furthermore, parents have been found to be more engaged during teletherapy than traditional sessions^52,53,54and may also favour telepractice because of the reduced disruption to their everyday routine^53,54.Telepractice also breaks down geographical barriers and facilitates global communication⁵⁵.

Telepractice had been used at AVUK on an ad hoc basis for more than a decade when the global pandemic of the COVID-19 began in early 2020⁵⁴. In March 2020, following the social restrictions imposed due to the global pandemic, all families at AVUK received therapy via telepractice. An audit of their experiences with telepractice found that approximately 80% of parents felt their child was making good progress with telepractice sessions, while 89% of therapists felt that telepractice sessions were equally or more effective than in-person sessions⁵⁴. Additionally, 85% of parents opted to continue with their Auditory Verbal sessions solely via telepractice or a blend of telepractice and in-person sessions⁵⁴. With appropriate technology, telepractice is a viable means of providing Auditory Verbal therapy⁵⁵. In 2022, AVUK continued to see families both in person (34%), via telepractice (42%) and as part of a blended programme of both in-person and telepractice sessions (24%).

85% of parents opted to continue with their Auditory Verbal sessions solely via telepractice or a blend of telepractice and in-person sessions following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maci’s story

“We are absolutely over the moon with how AVUK and the therapy has supported Maci and us as a family. It makes so much sense and everything we learn we use every day with Maci as well as sharing the details with family and Maci’s nursery so they can support too. It doesn’t put too much pressure on Maci either as it is all play – not like a ‘lesson’ at all.” - Nicole, Maci's Mum.

Maci

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What is Auditory Verbal therapy?

Auditory verbal therapy is a highly specialist early intervention programme which equips parents with the skills to maximise their deaf child’s speech and language development.
Training to be an Auditory Verbal Therapist

Find out how you can train to become an Auditory Verbal Therapist in the UK.
Evidence base for Auditory Verbal therapy

Deaf children can learn to listen and speak – like their hearing peers. What's the evidence?
Our mission and values

At Auditory Verbal UK, we want all deaf babies and children to have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers.
Session activity ideas
Work for us

Do you have an interest in transforming children’s lives? See our vacancies.
The Education, Heath and Care Plan process

Families have shared that the Education, Health and Care Plan process can sometimes feel daunting or confusing so we have collated the most frequently asked questions to try and help clarify the process.
Early intervention

What are the benefits of an early intervention programme?
Foundation level

This 6-month course is available in an online learning format. Designed to equip professionals with the core skills needed to develop auditory practice when working with children with hearing loss and their families, we are also able to deliver this course in-service to employers wishing to train groups of staff.
AVT programme for families

We want to make sure you are able to access information, guidance and support at a pace that suits you. Find out how you can join the programme.