Teletherapy for a Child with Special Needs
Teletherapy sessions look different for every child and every family. That is especially true for those who have a child with special needs. Through teletherapy the physicality of a session shrinks or is removed all together. However, there are still amazing ways to individualize each child’s experience. There are also so many ways to adapt sessions to be helpful to a child.
This has been a trying time for all of us. We have adapted “positivity corners” prior to each session. It helps to put everyone in a better head space. This is accomplished by first focusing on something good that happened over the past week. It is an effective coaching technique to start each session off on an encouraging note.
Typical Physical Therapy Session via Teletherapy
All children, and all adults for that matter, respond differently to Teletherapy. For any parent considering this form of therapy with their child continue reading. Especially if your child is with special needs, such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, or autism. Below are a few things one may expect for a physical therapy session:
Generally, the first teletherapy session will involve an open discussion between the family and the therapist. Things they may discuss include:
- family goals and/or concerns
- any new or evolving changes with the family’s routine
- any changes or assistance needed with the child’s routine
- the child’s physical endurance or strength
Your Child’s Personalized Therapy Session
After the discussion is complete, the rest of the therapy session will vary family to family and therapist to therapist.
If you’re thinking, “there is no way my child will allow me to practice physical exercises with them,” no worries! It is understood that children can be quite strong willed. Most initially will avoid focused physical activities suggested by a family member. Physical therapists, however, are very creative!
We can give you and your family different pointers. These will help to make their favorite activity just a little bit more physically challenging. This may include their favorite games or hobbies. In the past, guided yoga, has been a hit. Also using your household for a challenging obstacle course is a fan favorite. Performing animal walks with some assistance, or maneuvering couch cushions to provide some extra challenges, are just a couple other options.
Often, the physical therapist will suggest different activities that the child completes around the home. This may require the parents to assist in the setup of a specific activity. Sometimes, prior to a session to assist in making the Teletherapy call more successful, the therapist will email a short list of materials to have “on hand” for a parent to have prepped.
Other times, the therapist may prefer to observe the child complete a functional task. For instance, one example of that is stair climbing. After that, they will then suggest different ways to make that functional task more physically demanding (wearing a backpack) or less physically demanding (using a handrail or handhold) depending on the child’s specific needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to remember that every child is different. It’s also essential to know that every activity, big or small, can be modified. They can be made into a game or adapted to a child’s ability level and needs. With Teletherapy, finding those perfect balances of the just-right challenge, while making exercise fun, is a therapist’s specialty! Parents can let the therapists take over the creative side. Many parents have reaped the benefits of seeing your home in a whole new light.
If you and your special needs child need some encouragement here in 2020 (or when you’re reading this), check out our article titled, Parent’s, You’re Doing Great If you are interested in giving Teletherapy a try, give our play experts a call today at 773-687-9241!