How AI Can Help SLPs Be More Human
I know, I know. The internet’s been screaming about how “AI is taking over the world.”
But let’s be real – AI isn’t replacing SLPs.
It’s replacing paperwork.
And honestly? That’s probably your least favorite part of the job anyway. š
When we use AI tools the right way, we don’t lose human connection… we bring it back.
Think about it – what drains your energy the most?
- Writing reports.
- Sending emails.
- Crafting in-depth therapy plans.
- Writing IEPs and present levels.
All of that stuff takes time – and not the fun kind of time. The “I’m tired and my brain is fried” kind of time.
But when we can automate some of those behind-the-scenes tasks with tools like ChatGPT, we create more space for what really matters: connecting with our clients and students.
Because that’s the part that can’t be automated.
That’s the part that makes you irreplaceable.
Let’s say you’re planning a session focused on self-advocacy and emotional regulation for autistic kids.
You could use a simple AI prompt like:
“Create a speech therapy activity for autistic kids focused on self advocacy & emotional regulation. Include discussion questions that can be used with an AAC device.”
That’s a solid start.
But we can make it even more powerful – and more human.
Try this instead:
“Create a 10-minute interactive AAC activity based on the VeggieTales song Hairbrush. Include opportunities to model core vocabulary such as want, go, stop, please, play, more, and 3 fringe words related to the song like brush, mirror, bathroom. Provide ideas for how to model feelings and energy levels throughout the activity and use some wh- questions to describe how the character feels when Larry cannot find his hairbrush.”
Now that’s neurodiversity affirming, engaging, and personalized.
We didn’t have to spend hours making visuals on Canva or digging through TPT.
That’s the power of AI – it helps us show up more prepared, more regulated, and more human.
If you want to learn more about how to use AI to make your therapy planning easier (and your sessions more awesome), join Chris for his free upcoming webinar on ChatGPT for SLPs.
Click here to save your seat: https://www.speechdude.com/aiwebinar
