The Old Way vs The New Way in Speech Therapy
The Dinosaur Approach
Back in the day, speech therapy was all about those small, quiet rooms with zero distractions.
It was kind of like being stuck in a clinical bubble, totally disconnected from the real-world stuff we actually deal with when talking to people every day.
The whole focus? Fixing speech patterns.
If you didn’t speak like everyone else, it felt like you had to change who you were to fit some “normal” standard.
Endless Drills with No Fun
Therapy would just be repeating sounds over and over, with worksheets and scripts.
It was like a never-ending loop of stuff that didn’t really help in real life.
For most people, it was less about learning and more about just getting through the session.
Set Realistic Expectations
Set achievable goals and expectations.
If you aim too high, it can be discouraging.
Work together to set realistic, small milestones that will keep motivation high and make progress feel rewarding. - Laura-Jane
The New Way - Real Talk, Real Settings
Now, therapy is totally different.
It happens in real-world places - cafés, shops, even at sports events.
It’s all about practicing communication where it counts, like talking to the barista when ordering coffee or chatting with friends at a game.
Self-Expression Comes First
The focus today is on helping you express yourself, not just checking off boxes.
If you want to work on tone or pace, sure, but only if that’s important to you.
It’s all about making sure you can say what you need to say, how you want to say it.
Making It Fun and Relevant
Therapists now weave speech into the things you already enjoy.
Love soccer? You could talk about the game while you’re playing.
Or maybe you want to order food at a café? That’s your practice spot.
It’s not about doing drills you don’t care about; it’s about using your daily life as a way to practice speaking.
Your Goals = Your Success
The new way isn’t about making you fit a mold - it’s about your goals.
Whether it’s speaking up in a group or ordering lunch, therapy is all about real-life progress.
And, instead of ticking off a checklist, success is measured by how well you’re doing in your world, not some clinical report.
The Old Way vs The New Way in Occupational Therapy
The Old Way - One-Size-Fits-All
Occupational therapy used to be pretty rigid.
Everyone had to hit the same milestones - like walking, jumping, and handwriting - at the exact same pace.
If you couldn’t write properly, you’d just practice over and over, whether or not handwriting actually mattered to you.
Isolated, Boring Exercises
It was all about checklists.
"This is what you should be able to do, and here’s how we’re going to get you there."
A lot of therapy didn’t connect to the things you actually needed help with in real life.
You’d practice stuff like handwriting or balance beams, but it didn’t really connect to your day-to-day.
Celebrating Every Success
Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Whether it’s making it through a tough day or achieving a long-term goal, these victories matter.
By focusing on progress, motivation and inspiration will continue to grow as new heights are reached. – Carly
The New Way - Real Life for Real Skills
Now, therapy is about what you need.
If handwriting isn’t your thing but you want help typing, that’s where the focus goes.
Therapy is practical, focusing on real things like how to use a phone, cook a meal, or navigate public transport - things that matter to you.
Making Therapy Work for You
Therapists today don’t make you follow a set path.
They use what you enjoy to help you get better.
If you love painting, you might work on fine motor skills with a brush instead of a pencil.
Or if video games are your thing, your therapist might use that to improve coordination.
Therapy is based on your pace, your strengths, and what you care about.
Learning Through Everyday Life
The new approach is all about doing things that matter.
Instead of working through boring tasks in a sterile clinic, therapy happens in places that actually make sense.
You might learn coordination by playing soccer or improve fine motor skills by cooking.
It’s all about real-world results.
Adapting to Your World
The real heroes here are the participants and their families.
Imagine juggling all the daily struggles and handling the challenges of disability.
It’s exhausting.
Your therapist gets it and is there to help you through it - without adding more stress.
Therapy Where You Live
No more clinical rooms - today, therapy happens where you actually live.
Whether at home, school, or work, therapy is about helping you in the real world, not some set of rules or assessments.
It’s all about making your life easier, not just checking off milestones.
Communication is Key
Clear communication is essential in any support process.
If something isn’t working or if there are concerns, people shouldn’t hesitate to speak up.
A therapist is there to listen and make sure they’re comfortable and supported every step of the way.
Honest conversations lead to better outcomes. - Zac
The New Way is All About You
The old way was about making everyone fit the same mold.
The new way? It’s all about you - your strengths, your needs, your real-life goals.
Whether you’re in speech or occupational therapy, it’s about feeling confident and capable in your own world.
Therapy today adapts to you. It’s not about following old checklists; it’s about helping you do better in your life. Simple as that.