Telehealth, is the process of providing Speech, Physical, Occupational, or Behavioral (ABA) therapy services virtually. This can be done with the use of real time video meeting software. Options include, Zoom, Skype or Facetime on a computer, laptop, phone or tablet. Especially during these times, teletherapy has been proven to be helpful to many families that decide to use it. Now that you’re considering it, what does that experience look like and what can one expect during those sessions?
Prepping for a Telehealth Therapy Session
Your therapist will send you a link to access a secure Zoom meeting. They can also work with you to set up a different platform depending on your preference. You can use your laptop, phone, tablet, or any other device that supports video. Telehealth therapy sessions for a toddler are mobile and dynamic!
Therefore, be prepared to follow your child as they move around the space. Also, be ready to provide varying camera angles. At the beginning of a video visit, your therapist will extensively discuss and address any concerns about your toddler.
At the beginning, be ready to ask any questions you may have. However, your therapist will ask you about goals for your toddler. Together you will develop a plan of care to assist your toddler’s development.
Assessing Your Toddler’s Movement
The therapist will assess your toddler’s movement, functional skills, regulation level, and language. They will also examine the eating or drinking habits during a telehealth visit. Above all, be prepared, toddlers are wiggly creatures! It is imperative that the device being used is able to move during the visit to give your therapist different camera angles.
You may be asked to encourage your toddler to do various tasks. Those include, stand up, walk, climb onto the couch, step over obstacles, climb the stairs, take a bite, point in a book, and more. The therapist will observe movement patterns and ask questions about skills that your toddler may not want to show off at the time of the visit.
Treating Your Toddler
In addition, toddlers will have varying levels of participation during telehealth sessions. This is normal and expected! It’s okay if your toddler is just not having it that day. The therapist will adapt the plan for the session to meet your toddler where they are.
Some sessions will be action-packed, and others may be more consultative. These sessions are put in place to give you ideas to try throughout the week. Sometimes, your therapist may ask you to take pictures or videos of your toddler’s movement, actions or skills. This content can help give insight for the next session or serve in place of a session.
Developing a Home Program
After that, you will work together with your therapist to develop a home program for the week that will meet your toddler’s needs. The techniques you learn during your telehealth therapy session can be used throughout the week. The work done after and in between to help make progress.
Following up
The therapist will provide their email and determine the best way to reach you. Follow up emails about your home program will come in after your session. Open communication is the best way to ensure telehealth therapy success. Above all, always feel free to reach out to your therapist. They are here to help at any time between sessions with questions, concerns, and successes!
If you are interested in giving Teletherapy a try, give our experts a call today at 773-687-9241!
