Can Technology Replace Therapy?

With the changes in science and technology, there has been major changes and adaptations with pediatric therapy.  There are many applications available that provide therapists and children with technological support.  These applications can be found on a variety of sources such as, but not limited to, the iPad, Kinect, Wii, Kindle, etc.  There has been much support for such technology as evident by a New York Times article on on physical therapists using Wii Golf to help enhance the benefits of the therapy.

Now the question that should be asked is why bother with therapy when a parent can spend a lot less money and time by buying applications and video games?

The applications must be considered only one aspect of developmental therapy. They are tools that help with the therapy; however, by no means supplement the benefits of the therapy itself.  Developmental therapists have specific training on developmental therapy and how to help children develop to their potential at the quickest and most efficient manner possible.

So although there have been major breakthroughs with technology and software; I will never foresee a time in which the technology will replace the therapist.