Frequently asked questions

For SLPs, schools and clinics

• What is TikTalk?

  TikTalk is a digital platform used to support therapy for speech-sound disorders. It consists of two interconnected parts: a web-based portal, which SLPs use to create speech-practice programs for each of the children they work with, and a games-based app, which kids log into from their tablets and use to practice the goals their SLP has set for them.

• I’m already recommending home-practice apps and games to my clients. How is TikTalk different?

  While existing digital tools for speech therapy generally include the capacity to select speech-practice targets, TikTalk’s platform allows SLPs to customize speech practice based on specific parameters—including the ability to avoid certain sounds in target words—creating more individualized home-practice programs that are ideally tailored to each child’s  needs.

  The other digital tools that are out there also exist, in a sense, in a vacuum: in theory, a child practices with them at home, but neither the SLP nor the child itself has any insight into whether that practice is effective. Unlike its competitors, TikTalk has built-in tools to fully integrate independent practice into the speech therapy process. A child’s practice sessions are recorded by the app; back in the portal, SLPs can watch and assess them, and adjust a child’s goals to make them easier or harder as needed—closing the loop and creating a virtuous circle for continued practice and improvement.

• What are the benefits of TikTalk?

  Increasingly, we are learning that consistent, effective independent practice is crucial to bridging the gap between the overwhelming demand for articulation therapy and the limited number of hours in an SLP’s day. With the pressures on the profession only growing, SLPs need to empower caregivers to help increase cumulative intensity.

  But there are considerable barriers to effective independent practice, which is time-consuming to create and relies on parents/caregivers and children themselves for follow-through. TikTalk is designed to overcome those barriers, increasing the quantity and quality of independent practice—and ultimately helping kids make progress in their speech therapy more quickly.

• Does using TikTalk require specialized training?

  TikTalk’s purpose is to make life easier—for you, and your clients. Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll be able to create a fully customized home-practice program for each of your clients in just a few clicks. There are video tutorials to walk you through the process, and if you have any questions about navigating the system, our staff SLPs, available by email and live chat, will be happy to help.

• Is TikTalk intended to replace traditional speech therapy?

  No. TikTalk is only sold to licensed SLPs and the clinics, schools, and organizations where they work, to support and enhance the therapy they provide for speech-sound disorders. An SLP’s expertise is required to establish and monitor appropriate home-practice routines; TikTalk is meant to make that process faster, easier, and more effective.

• How do I integrate TikTalk into my practice?

  There are many different ways that SLPs can incorporate TikTalk into their practices. In addition to adding momentum to at-home practice in between direct therapy sessions, it can also be used to support work in rural settings, where in-person treatment poses challenges; to ensure continuity of care during interruptions due to vacations, sickness, or missed appointments; and to give SLPs more flexibility in their caseload management by allowing them to adjust the frequency with which they see their clients. Some SLPs are using TikTalk in classrooms and directly with their clients, too.

   

• Can I try TikTalk out before committing?

  Of course! We offer a free trial so you can get a sense of how TikTalk works and see the platform in action.

• Can I learn more about how TikTalk fits into the latest research?

  Head on over to SpeechTherapyPD, where you can find our course exploring the research into the barriers to the effective treatment of speech-sound disorders and learn more about our approach. It’s good for 1.5 hours of CEUs, too.

• How much does TikTalk cost?

  As with many other digital services, TikTalk is billed based on the number of clients you set up on the service. You can start out with just one or two; if you find you want to use TikTalk to work with additional kids it’s easy to add more licenses as you go. Full details are available on our pricing page.

• Is TikTalk an insured service? Is it eligible for reimbursement?

  Not just yet. TikTalk is currently in the process of pursuing FDA approval to become eligible for coverage by both government (e.g. Medicaid) and private insurers.

• I work in a school or clinic. Are bulk discounts available?

  Absolutely—we’d love to work with you to develop a package that suits your school, school district, or clinic. Please contact us so we can discuss your options in detail.