We’ve discussed privacy in Part 1, fact and myth in Part 2, and how AI works in Part 3. This post will give you some ideas on how to use AI to increase your productivity as an SLP. This isn’t about replacing your clinical expertise; it’s about equipping you with a powerful, ethical tool to turbocharge your efficiency and creativity.

Crucial Disclaimer: The Golden Rule of AI for SLPs

Before we dive into the practical applications, let’s establish the absolute, non-negotiable rule:

NEVER input Protected Health Information (PHI) or any client-specific identifying data (such as names, baselines, unique characteristics, or highly specific details that could lead to identification) into general-purpose AI models like ChatGPT, Bard/Gemini’s public interfaces, or similar tools that do not have a specific Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with your organization covering PHI.

Your company’s specific guidance on compliant AI use (especially for integrated tools like Google Workspace’s Gemini) is paramount. Always, always, always prioritize client privacy and confidentiality.

With that vital principle in mind, let’s explore ethical and compliant ways AI can become your new favorite clinical assistant.

1. AI Can Supercharge Your Planning

The blank page for a lesson plan or a new therapy goal can be daunting. AI in your SLP practice can be a brilliant brainstorming partner that helps you escape “therapy fatigue.”

• Creating Lesson Plans & Activity Ideas: Need a therapy session around a specific theme (e.g., “outer space” for articulation, “community helpers” for social language)? Ask AI to brainstorm age-appropriate activities, vocabulary lists, or a rough session flow.
  • Prompt Example: “Brainstorm 5 engaging speech therapy activities for 7-year-olds working on /r/ production using an ‘ocean adventure’ theme.”
• Developing Task Analyses: For complex skills (like tying shoes, ordering food, or writing a sentence), AI can help you break them down into discrete, manageable steps, providing a valuable framework for intervention.
• Structuring Prompt Hierarchies: Design effective scaffolding for various tasks. AI can help you think through different levels of prompting from maximum to minimum support.
• Generating Diverse Goal Wording Templates: Crafting clear, measurable, and relevant IEP or treatment goals is time-consuming. AI can provide various wording options for specific skill areas, which you can then adapt with your client’s unique, non-identifying data.
  • Prompt Example: “Provide 5 different ways to word a long-term goal for improving expressive vocabulary in a preschooler with language delay, focusing on measurable outcomes.”

2. Content Creation & Adaptation Made Easy with AI

Need to adjust existing materials or create new ones quickly? AI helps you differentiate and tailor content in seconds.

• Adapting Existing Materials: Take a classic short story, news article, or educational text and ask AI to simplify it for a specific reading level (e.g., 3rd-grade equivalent) or to focus on particular concepts.
  • Prompt Example: “Simplify the plot of ‘The Three Little Pigs’ into language appropriate for a 1st-grade reading level, focusing on story elements.”
• Generating Practice Items: Create endless lists of words, sentences, or short paragraphs targeting specific phonemes, grammatical structures, or vocabulary themes.

3. AI Documentation & Communication Shortcuts

While you should never input PHI into general AI, you can use it to polish and streamline all other written communications.

• Proofreading and Grammar Checks: Use AI to review emails (that don’t contain PHI), general announcements, or non-confidential sections of reports for clarity and error reduction.
• Summarizing Long Texts (General): Need to quickly grasp the main points of a professional article, a school policy document (without student info), or a long email thread? AI can provide a concise summary.
• Rephrasing for Clarity: If you’re struggling to articulate a general idea or want to make instructions more straightforward for colleagues, AI can offer alternative, punchier phrasings.

4. Using AI in Empowering Families & Caregivers

As your assistant in your SLP practice, AI can help you create effective, accessible resources that boost generalization outside the clinic room.

• Brainstorming Client Education Materials & Handouts: Get ideas for home carryover activities related to a specific skill or for parent education on a general topic (e.g., language stimulation, feeding strategies).
  • Prompt Example: “List 7 practical, easy-to-implement home activities for parents to support a toddler’s expressive language development.”
• Translating General Advice: Rephrase clinical concepts into parent-friendly, jargon-free language for handouts or general communication.

5. Boosting Your Professional Growth

AI is a powerful tool for SLPs in continuous learning and career advancement.

• Summarizing Research Articles & Clinical Guidelines: Quickly extract key findings, methodologies, and conclusions from non-confidential research papers to stay updated in your field.
• Brainstorming Presentation Topics & Outlines: If you need to give a presentation for a staff meeting or a conference, AI can help you brainstorm ideas and structure your talking points.
• Creating Study Guides: Generate practice questions or summaries for certification exams, specialization tests, or continuing education courses.

The Responsible SLP’s AI Ethic: A Final Word

AI is a revolutionary SLP tool, but it’s just that—a tool. Your clinical judgment, ethical compass, and human connection remain irreplaceable.

Always remember:

• Verify, Verify, Verify: AI output can contain “hallucinations” or inaccuracies. Always critically review and fact-check any information generated by AI before using it.
  • To succeed in an AI-driven future, SLPs must focus on critical appraisal of these emerging tools, as discussed in the ASHA journal LSHSS (Equipping Clinicians for Critical Appraisal of AI).
• Privacy is Paramount: Reiterate the NO PHI rule. This protects your clients, yourself, and your license. Understand and adhere strictly to your company’s and district’s policies on AI use.
• It’s an Assistant, Not a Replacement: AI should augment your skills, not diminish your critical thinking or clinical reasoning.

Start experimenting responsibly. Begin with low-stakes tasks and see how AI can transform your productivity as an SLP, allowing you to dedicate more of your precious time and energy to the art and science of speech-language pathology.

Next in the Series: In Post 5, we’ll delve deeper into crafting effective AI prompts to get the best possible results for your specific SLP needs.

The AI & SLPs Series: Your Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to the AI & SLPs Series! Over the next eight weeks, we’ll delve deep into how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the world of speech-language pathology. Here’s what you can expect:

• Part 1: AI & Clinical Data Privacy
  • This foundational post explores AI training data, client privacy, and HIPAA compliance for SLPs, including the non-negotiable role of BAAs.
• Part 2: Separating Truth vs Myth 
  • We debunk common AI myths in SLP practice. Get a realistic understanding of AI’s true role and capabilities.
• Part 3: How AI Tools Work 
  • Get a clear, jargon-free explanation of how large language models function. Understand their capabilities and limitations.
• Part 4: AI for Clinical Spark & Efficiency (This post!)
  • Discover ethical ways to use AI. Brainstorm, overcome planning hurdles, and refine non-clinical communications.
• Part 5: Mastering Prompts 
  • Learn prompt engineering. Communicate effectively with AI models to get tailored, useful results for SLP needs.
• Part 6: Compliant Platforms & Tools
  • This post guides you through AI tools. Learn key factors for ethically and compliantly selecting platforms for your SLP practice.
• Part 7: Ethical & Responsible Use
  • This crucial post delves into broader ethical responsibilities for SLPs using AI. It covers principles beyond data privacy.
• Part 8: The Future of AI
  • This concluding post explores emerging AI trends and future possibilities in Speech-Language Pathology. Prepare to adapt, innovate, and lead responsible AI integration.

The post Part 4: AI for Clinical Spark & Efficiency: An SLP’s Practical Guide appeared first on Mrs. Speech Online.

Then life threw a curveball, and I resigned from the schools.  I ended up taking a position with a teletherapy company and providing services to various schools.  I was hesitant at first, but after working as a teletherapist for six months, I can say I completely LOVE it!

Comfort

Need I say it? Yoga pants!!!  Business on top, (slumber) party on bottom, am I right?!!  I had a 40 minute, each way, commute before, now I walk down the hall to my office.  I can run to the bathroom or to get a coffee refill or a snack whenever I need.  And have I mentioned no boogers on my stuff?!  I haven’t had a sick day from any child-borne illnesses so far!

Variety

Not all teletherapists have the variety I do, but I have students ranging from mild middle school students to non-verbal kindergarteners.  I enjoy the different caseloads, although it does mean a bit more prep as there is more diversity in goals and materials.  In the morning I get to talk about animal sounds, and in the afternoon I get to teach /r/, and the next day I’m teaching a great short story to work on language skills.

Use of Time

When I worked in the schools, a good part of my time was spent doing duty, attending teacher meetings, filling out paperwork required by the district, completing screenings I was unable to take any action on, performing before or after school requirements such as parent-teacher meetings whether or not I actually had any parents wishing to meet.  Since I was on a contract, I was paid by year, and these times were all under a blanket “duties of the position” statement.

As a teletherapist, I am paid for indirect time as well as direct time.  This differs somewhat from one teletherapy company from another, but from my, admittedly limited, experience, this is typical.  I only attend meetings that directly affect my students.  I feel like I am able to return back to my actual occupation!

Freedom of Scheduling

Along the same lines, I get to draw the lines of my schedule.  I don’t want to work past three?  Then I say I’m not willing to.  I only want to work 30 hours a week?  Then that’s what we shoot for.  I’ve also found that the schools that I work with are more willing to work with me as far as scheduling than I experienced when I worked in a district.  Perhaps I’m just in a sweet spot?  Time will tell.  But I’m loving it right now!

Less Drama

All those powerplays that you couldn’t keep out of in the schools are far less apparent as a teletherapist.  Because we aren’t physically there, we don’t hear the conversations in the halls or the teacher’s lounge. It’s much the same as being at a school part time, where you see your handful of kids and leave.  This, for me, was a fantastic load off my shoulders, because that kind of conflict stresses me out – and there was always someone who was running to me complaining about something.  Now, this can be a drawback as well, especially if you thrive on those connections.  But you can also make connections with your team of teletherapists.

Efficacy of Therapy

Now, do I think I can do therapy as well through a computer as I can in-person?  Yes!  Now, that being said, there are, of course, some caveats.  The method of therapy should be considered for each client just as the time, length and frequency of therapy should be considered.  Often, as my younger students have, a facilitator may be present to aid the client in attention and accessing the technology. 

Other clients may need a different service model that is more of a parent training model.  A setup that includes a separate camera that shows the student’s AAC device so you can see their key presses, or other modifications might be necessary.  With flexibility and creativity, there really is a lot more you can do in teletherapy than you ever thought!

Drawbacks

Ok, yes, I miss the goodies in the teachers’ lounge.  And I REALLY miss the hugs and actually seeing my kiddos.  Sometimes, it is challenging when I have a student that just can’t get a specific speech sound…but I’m not sure being in person would help that either.  Tech issues can be frustrating, when the microphone isn’t catching a nuance of sound or the connection isn’t good.  But there were also times when the hallway outside my room, or the room beside my room, or the restroom beside my room, were so loud that I had trouble then too.  So I might be comparing apples and oranges there.

I’m not necessarily writing this to convert any of ya’ll from in-person therapists to teletherapists, but definitely, should it come to you, don’t be afraid of it.  It could be your next great thing!

If you want to know more about teletherapy, or the company I contract with (starting on my third year with them), feel free to reach out!

If you are interested in the topic of teletherapy, you might also be interested in my comprehensive guide, “So You Want to Be a Teletherapist.” It covers all these topics and more, including setting up your workspace, navigating legal documents like BAAs, and building a secure and efficient digital practice from the ground up!

Want a taste? Subscribe to my newsletter today to get the entire Chapter 3! This 26-page guide walks you through setting up your home office with the right hardware and peripherals to optimize your virtual practice while staying HIPAA-compliant.

Until next time, keep on clicking, my e-speechies!

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The post Why I Love Being a Teletherapist: From Skeptic to Superfan appeared first on Mrs. Speech Online.

Supercharge Therapy Planning:

• Personalized Materials: Struggling to find the perfect stimuli for a particular client? AI can generate engaging stories, activities, and exercises tailored to their specific needs and target sounds.
• Brainstorming Buddy: Facing a complex case? Use AI to brainstorm creative therapy approaches and explore different treatment options. Here, your expertise is crucial in selecting the most appropriate options based on your client’s individual needs and learning style.

Boost Client Engagement:

• Interactive Activities: AI can create interactive games and exercises that make therapy sessions more fun and motivating for clients, especially younger children. However, use your expert insight to ensure the difficulty level and format of the activity are appropriate for your client’s abilities.
• Real-Time Feedback: Imagine having an AI assistant that provides real-time feedback on a client’s pronunciation, intonation, or fluency! This can offer valuable insights and promote self-monitoring skills. Remember to analyze the AI’s feedback alongside your own observations to provide the most comprehensive guidance to your client.

Revolutionize Documentation:

• Automated Note Taking: Free yourself from tedious paperwork! AI tools can transcribe therapy sessions and generate draft session notes based on the audio recording. You can then review and edit them for accuracy, incorporating your clinical observations and insights.
• Speech and Language Sampling: Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) tools can transcribe the recordings with high accuracy, saving SLPs valuable time. Additionally, AI can analyze the transcribed speech samples for various aspects. It can identify features like articulation errors, fluency patterns, and vocabulary usage. This should complement your human expertise, which remains crucial in interpreting the data.

Ethical Considerations:

• Focus on Collaboration: Remember, AI is a tool to enhance your practice, not replace your specialized skills. Use AI-generated materials as a starting point, then personalize them to fit your client’s specific needs.
• Data Privacy: Ensure any AI tools you use comply with data privacy regulations and handle client information securely. I’d recommend leaving out names or any identifying information.

Prompting Your AI Assistant Strategically:

To get the most out of AI tools, it’s important to provide clear and concise prompts that incorporate your expertise:

• Client Profile: Briefly describe your client’s age, communication goals, specific challenges they are facing, and their learning style. This information helps the AI tailor its output to your client’s needs.
• Target Area: Specify the area you’d like AI to assist with, such as creating articulation exercises (mentioning the specific sounds you’re targeting), developing social communication activities (specifying the desired social skill), or crafting reading comprehension worksheets (indicating the reading level and comprehension skill you want to focus on).
• Desired Style: Indicate any preferences you have for the AI’s output. Do you want the activity to be interactive, story-based, or game-like? Consider your client’s interests and learning style when making this choice.

Remember: You are the expert. 

Use your professional knowledge to evaluate and adapt any AI-generated materials to ensure they are appropriate for your client’s specific needs and goals.  The AI is a tool to empower you, not replace you.

Ready to Get Started?

Explore the world of AI resources available for SLPs! Many AI writing and speech recognition tools are readily available. Start by identifying specific areas in your practice where AI could be most beneficial.

By embracing AI as a collaborative partner, While keeping your professional knowledge at the forefront, you can streamline your workflow, personalize your therapy approach, and ultimately empower your clients to achieve their communication goals.

Envision this:

Sarah, a young client, struggles with sharing toys during playtime. You, the SLP, identify the need to create a social story to help Sarah understand the concept of sharing and taking turns.

Here’s where AI becomes your partner:

Prompting the AI: 

The SLP prompts the AI with the following information:

• Target Social Skill: Sharing toys
• Character: A young girl named Sarah
• Desired Tone: Positive and encouraging

AI Generates Story:

Sarah loves playing with her toys! She has a cuddly teddy bear, a bright red car, and a set of colorful blocks. One sunny afternoon, Sarah is playing in the park when she sees another child, Ben, sitting alone. Ben looks a little shy.

Sarah walks over to Ben with a big smile. "Hi Ben! What are you playing with?" she asks.

Ben mumbles something about having a toy truck but not wanting to play alone.

Sarah has an idea! "Would you like to play with my blocks?" she asks.

Ben's eyes widen. "Really? Can I?"

"Sure!" says Sarah. "We can build a big tower together! Do you want to put the red block on top?"

Ben smiles and carefully places the red block on top of the growing tower. They take turns adding blocks, giggling as the tower gets taller and taller.

Suddenly, another child, Emily, walks over and looks at their tower. "Wow! That's amazing!" she exclaims.

"Would you like to help us build even higher?" Sarah asks Emily.

Emily joins in the fun, carefully adding more blocks to the tower. They all work together, taking turns and laughing as they build a magnificent tower of blocks.

SLP’s Integration:

After reviewing the story to insure it is appropriate to the child, the SLP reads the story with Sarah, pointing out the pictures (ideally featuring a character resembling Sarah and toys she recognizes) and discussing the emotions of the characters. They talk about how Sarah shared her toys with Ben and Emily, and how everyone had more fun playing together.

Personalizing the Story: 

The SLP notices Sarah particularly loves animals and edits the story to mention her favorite stuffed animal, Mr. Snuggles, instead of a teddy bear. They can further personalize the story by adding details about the park (mentioning any specific equipment Sarah enjoys) or the type of tower they build (e.g., an animal tower if Sarah is interested in animals). Please be aware: personalization like this could constitute Personal Health Information under HIPAA. Do not share PHI in ANY AI platform without checking that it is HIPAA compliant! See more in AI & SLPs Series, Part 1: Clinical Data Privacy.

The SLP can also create follow-up activities based on the story, such as role-playing sharing scenarios or drawing pictures about taking turns using their favorite toys.

Benefits of AI in Social Story Creation:

• Overcomes Writer’s Block: AI can provide a starting point or inspiration for the SLP.
• Saves Time: AI can generate a basic story outline, allowing the SLP to focus on customization.
• Engaging Language: AI can create stories with a child-friendly tone and vocabulary.

This is just one example of how AI can be used as a tool to enhance the work of SLPs. Remember, the SLP’s professional knowledge and experience remain crucial in tailoring the story to the specific needs of each client.

Keep on clickin’!

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