All About Teletherapy Part Two: Preparing for a Great Teletherapy Session
At Better Learning Therapies, our brand promise is “Therapy on Your Level.” Teletherapy is an evolving resource that helps us to meet the unique needs of your family. Speech, occupational, feeding, and physical therapy are just a few of the fields within healthcare that have adapted and increased access to care for families through teletherapy.
In this three-part blog series, we will explore some of the misconceptions about teletherapy, how to prepare for a great session, and take a deep dive into feeding teletherapy. Have questions or concerns you’d like us to address in this series? Just let us know!
Check out the first post in this series: All About Teletherapy Part One: Is Teletherapy Right for My Child?
How Does Teletherapy at Better Learning Therapies Work?
At Better Learning Therapies, we use an electronic medical record called Jane that has a built-in, HIPAA-compliant video feature. Jane works great on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers of any flavor: Android, Apple, or Microsoft. You’ll receive an email reminder with a link to connect with your therapist quickly and easily. The creators of Jane even provided this handy guide, “How to Join Your Online Appointment.”
Teletherapy looks a lot like in-person therapy! It isn’t one size fits all and will vary greatly from child to child. Your child’s therapist will carefully select activities based on their goals. These may include videos, games, flashcards, practice making sounds, or direct instruction.
See this great post by our friends at Toddler Talk for more about What To Expect In Virtual Speech Therapy for Toddlers.
How do I prepare for a teletherapy session?
Consistency is key with all therapies, including speech-language, occupational, physical, and feeding therapies. Attending sessions regularly, being punctual and prepared, and following through with recommendations at home will benefit your child’s treatment tremendously.
Download our free checklist here: Teletherapy Checklist for Parents and Caregivers
What devices do I need at home for teletherapy?
You will need to have a reliable electronic device with an internet connection. Acceptable devices that can be used:
Computer with webcam and microphone
Ipad/Tablet with App for secure video connection platform
Phone with App for secure video connection platform
It is important to discuss with your child’s therapist the devices you’ll be using. It may be beneficial for you and your therapist to trial the technology prior to the session with your child so you both feel confident in how it will run. Some activities work best with larger screens. Some children need more assistance with the fine motor skills required for using a mouse or keyboard. If you’re planning to use your phone, adjusting the settings to “do not disturb” for the session length can help with distracting notifications.
How do I prepare our physical environment?
Before the session starts, help your child be comfortable. Make sure they’ve had a snack and a chance to use the restroom.
Eliminate distractions. Drinks are welcome but refrain from food unless directed by your therapist.
Start the session in a comfortable place. Consider setting up a dedicated space for sessions with a table and chair. Have comfort items or loveys available if that is helpful to your child.
Seating is important. Your child’s feet should be on the floor so they feel secure and stable. The angle of the camera should be so that the therapist can see their whole face and your child can see the therapist’s whole face. If you’re using a mobile device consider a stand or prop so that your child doesn't have to hold the device.
Make sure your child’s hips, knees, and ankles are at 90 degrees. The table should be between their belly button and their chest. This seating provides children with the postural support they need in order to do the difficult fine motor tasks of picking up foods, manipulating utensils, and chewing. If you notice your child getting up and wandering during meals, one of the first things to look at is their seat. For more information about proper seating, check out the “Adjust Your Child’s Seat” section of this blog post.
Do parents need to be present?
At least one parent or caregiver should be present during each session. Therapy sessions are designed in a way that empowers parents and caregivers to feel comfortable using tips and strategies taught by the therapist. Also, troubleshooting and technical support may be required from a grown-up at any point in the session no matter the child’s age.
Ask your child’s therapist if there’s a certain toy or activity she wants to try at the next session so that you can have it accessible and ready. Take the therapist along for the ride--give your child a chance to show off their favorite things.
Your child may not want to talk or play at all at first, but that’s totally fine. Don’t stress about your child not “performing” during the sessions. Keep in mind it’s ok if this doesn’t all happen! Go with the flow, and let your child’s therapist know what your child needs! The session will still be successful! To be most effective, our therapies depend on warm and positive relationships between the therapist, caregivers, and children. These relationships can take several sessions to develop.
Family-Centered Approach
Parents and/or caregivers are a key component of therapy especially when it comes to toddlers. At Better Learning therapies, we “recognize the essential role that families play in all aspects of service, from assessment through treatment, and the role that families and individuals play as key decision makers, recognized for their knowledge and skills. Families are considered from a lifespan perspective and may include parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, and caregivers.” (Family-Centered Practice)
During the session feel free to ask questions. Make sure you understand the session’s goals. Give your feedback to your therapist. We want to know how we can help you and your child. You are an important part of your child’s therapy team!
Will my child even participate?
This is where our skills as therapists come in! We are trained in quickly establishing and maintaining rapport with children. In teletherapy, we have ways to encourage and motivate your little one to communicate. Even so, your child may not participate much for the first few sessions as they get familiar with the format. That is ok! This happens even with in-person therapy sessions. Give your child several sessions to feel comfortable before you decide if teletherapy will work for your family.
What if teletherapy doesn’t work for us?
Teletherapy does not fit every child, and honestly, it does not fit every therapist. Your therapist will know if your child is a potential candidate. There are also certain treatments that are not able to be completed without a hands-on approach. (Like some treatments for Apraxia and other motor speech disorders. See Speech Sound Production Therapy)
Your therapist is obligated to ensure that your child is a good fit for teletherapy and to provide options if it is not. Also, therapists can adapt activities to increase your child’s engagement similar to in-person sessions. So, rest assured that your child will receive excellent care if they are determined to be a candidate for teletherapy.
But just because you have concerns, doesn’t automatically mean that the remote model is where the difficulty really lies. This is a good opportunity to really examine and break down what the specific problem is.
How do I get my child started with teletherapy?
Setting up an evaluation is easy!
Clients are typically referred by a physician or other agency for outpatient services. In some cases, patients may self-refer, particularly if they are planning to pay out-of-pocket. We can help you determine if you need a referral for an evaluation.
To talk with one of our office staff about your concerns about your child, please give us a call at 801-217-3900 or email us at info@betterlearningtherapies.com.
