The effectiveness of teletherapy for developmental language disorder in India - Report - MDSpire

The effectiveness of teletherapy for developmental language disorder in India

  • By

  • Irfana Thahani

  • Juniya Joby

  • Callum Nichollos

  • Sangeetha Mahesh

  • Yasir Ahmed Syed

  • June 23, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluating Teletherapy's Impact on Developmental Language Disorder

Overview

This study evaluates the effectiveness of teletherapy for children aged 2-5 years with developmental language disorder (DLD) in India. Results indicate improvements in language skills and high parental satisfaction.

Background

Developmental language disorder (DLD) affects children's language acquisition despite normal cognitive abilities. Early intervention through speech therapy is crucial, yet access to such services can be limited, particularly in rural areas of India. Teletherapy has emerged as a potential solution to enhance accessibility and provide necessary support for children with DLD.

Data Highlights

The study involved ten children diagnosed with DLD, who underwent a structured teletherapy intervention. Improvements were noted in both expressive and receptive language skills post-intervention.

Key Findings

  • Teletherapy was delivered via video calls, incorporating language stimulation strategies.
  • Participants showed significant improvements in expressive and receptive language skills.
  • Parents reported high satisfaction with the convenience and accessibility of teletherapy.
  • Challenges included technological issues and increased demands on caregivers, but these did not hinder progress.

Clinical Implications

Teletherapy may provide a feasible alternative for delivering speech therapy to children with DLD, especially in underserved areas. Clinicians should consider integrating teletherapy into their practice to improve access to care.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that teletherapy can effectively support language development in children with DLD, warranting further investigation to establish its efficacy compared to traditional therapy.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Telerehabilitation in children and adolescents with intellectual disability: a systematic review
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  3. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Telemedicine for new immigrant children in the US: a tool for equity or another layer of disparity?
  4. RCSLT, 2026 -- Four-Nation Report on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Exam Access Arrangements
  5. ISHA, 2026 -- Telepractice Guidelines
  6. BMJ Open, 2026 -- Effectiveness of an online interval group therapy for children with developmental language disorders: protocol for a randomised controlled intervention study
  7. Frontiers in Digital Health — Co-creating a program theory and evaluability assessment for an Irish single-session, synchronous chat-based youth mental health intervention: implications for outcome evaluation
  8. https://www.rcslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RCSLT-Four-Nation-Report-on-Developmental-Language-Disorder-DLD-and-Exam-Access-Arrangements-January-2026-1-1.pdf
  9. https://www.ishaindia.org.in/pdf/resource/1751967529.TELEPRACTICE-GUIDELINES.pdf
  10. Effectiveness of an online interval group therapy for children with developmental language disorders: protocol for a randomised controlled intervention study | BMJ Open

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