How AI and Virtual Reality Change Speech Therapy

In Fairfield County, speech therapy is entering a new era. At The Teen SLP, young adults are building the communication and life skills they need for adulthood through a unique blend of direct teaching, virtual reality (VR), and real-world practice.

Founded by speech-language pathologist Deirdre Flores, The Teen SLP is a private practice dedicated to helping teens and young adults develop the real-world communication, workplace, and social skills that build confidence and independence.

Teaching Real-World Skills Through Virtual Reality

It starts in the office, where participants are taught specific strategies for holding conversations, reading social cues, managing conflict, and advocating for themselves. Then, they step into the safe world of VR, using headsets that simulate lifelike scenarios such as job interviews, conversations, workplace meetings, and interactions in the community.

Inside these environments, the therapist controls the avatars’ body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to create realistic challenges that prepare young adults for both professional and social success.

From Virtual Practice to Community Connections

The skills don’t stop in the headset. Each lesson is reinforced through in-person sessions and community-based social events — from restaurant meetups to local outings — where participants apply what they’ve practiced in authentic settings. This bridge between VR practice and real life makes the learning stick, boosting both confidence and independence.

Leading the Way in Speech Therapy Innovation

Among the first speech therapists to pioneer the use of AI and Virtual Reality in speech therapy, The Teen SLP is preparing young adults in across Fairfield County to succeed at work, in friendships, and in life.

To learn more about The Teen SLP programs in Westport, CT, visit www.TheTeenSLP.com, @TheTeenSLP on Instagram, Deirdre Demsey Flores on Linked In or or email Deirdre@TheTeenSLP.com.