TeleTherapy
What is TeleTherapy?
Teletherapy refers to therapy that is provided by a licensed and certified therapist via a secure video internet connection.
It is important for parents to recognize that your child can engage in teletherapy sessions at many developmental levels, and you and the therapist will learn and adapt as you move forward to increase success with this new therapy model. It is possible that a parent and therapist determine that teletherapy is not effective for a child; however in most cases, parents may be pleasantly surprised with the approach.
Services Available Through TeleTherapy
Currently, all of our therapy treatment services are available via teletherapy. For OT, PT and Speech Therapy we ask for therapist approval prior to starting teletherapy services. OT and PT evaluations may need to be done in-clinic before starting teletherapy services.
Benefits of TeleTherapy
Teletherapy ensures consistent treatment regardless if your child can no longer be seen in-clinic. Teletherapy is a great way for a therapist to see inside your home and routine and to adapt items you already have to create everyday therapy moments that can result in daily regulation and skill development. It is an excellent opportunity for a therapist to provide suggestions on how you (parent/caregiver) can target your child’s goals at home. Your therapist may provide suggestions, feedback, and ideas for strategies you can try during your session and daily routines.
Role of the Caregiver
Teletherapy is a highly collaborative process between therapist and caregiver. Your participation as the parent/caregiver is required and vital in making this service delivery work for your child and family. The level of parent and caregiver support needed for successful outcomes depends on the age and developmental level of the child. Teletherapy can be as much of a learning experience for parents as it is for the children!
You can help your therapist make the session successful by:
- Positioning the camera and helping your child stay in front of the screen
- Staying with your child for the duration of the session (if necessary)
- Gathering materials or toys to use during the session
- Providing cues for the child to start, transition, or continue an activity
- Providing reminders and positive encouragement
- Playing games in the home environment to break up the session
- Participating and helping implement therapy - your therapist may provide parent coaching and guidance on how to use materials and prompt the child verbally or physically
Device and Location Logistics
Having a variety of device options (laptop, tablet or phone) is beneficial to see what may work best for your child. In an OT or PT session the child might be running/jumping/moving around with a portable device (tablet or phone), but in Speech the therapist might request a laptop or a portable device that is propped. The therapist may request the tablet or phone to be propped up for sessions to give the parent/caregiver(s) two free hands to assist with the session. Tablet/phones can be propped up using stands or larger items such as pillows or books. If two adults are present during the session, one may hold & manage the tablet/phone while the other one assists with sessions. Your therapist will go over the setup in your first session and make the best use of the items your family has in the home.
Requirements of the device(s) and location:
- Laptop/computer with a built-in, front-facing camera or a webcam and a functioning microphone
- And/Or a Tablet or phone that has a camera.
- Working secured internet
- The Zoom app will need to be downloaded to your device.
- A location with sufficient lighting and privacy that is free from distractions or intrusions
- Must be in the state of Hawaii. Due to licensing laws, if you travel out of state, you will need to cancel your session(s) and resume upon your arrival back to Hawaii.
Troubleshooting may be needed; as technology and internet connection can be inconsistent at times. We are willing to troubleshoot with you to get things up and running!
If you still have questions regarding setup, our team can schedule an initial zoom call to test out your devices prior to your child's session.
Joining a Teletherapy Session
You will be provided a Zoom link via email on file the night prior to your session. If you have not received a notification by the morning of your session, please contact our admin team as soon as possible. You can email us at info@sproutstherapy.com or 808-260-9056.
HERE's a helpful guide for setting up Zoom
(Spanish guide available HERE)
Session reminders: If you currently receive text and/or e-mail reminders for your child's therapy sessions in the clinic, you will continue to receive these same notifications. If you have not signed up for these services and are interested, please contact our admin team. You are able to sign up for multiple email accounts and phone accounts (text reminders) as needed.
Materials Needed for TeleTherapy
Just like toys are used in the clinic, your therapist may utilize toys in your home to conduct therapy virtually. Therefore, it is important to bring activities to the session. Your therapist will let you know what to prepare for each session. Kids are often excited to show off their toys via TeleTherapy. Therapy should still be fun and interactive with child-centered activities even when conducted via teletherapy.
You will need some items from around your home to be used and available during the session. If your child is not at a developmental level to engage in table activities you are not required to obtain the below materials.
You can find a list of materials HERE. Please know that our therapists will make every effort to use materials you already have in the home. In addition to the materials on the list, your therapist may request other supplies to be purchased (approximately every two weeks). Any additional materials requested or worksheets to be printed will be included in your zoom link email for each session.
Teletherapy Will Look Different For Each Child
Teletherapy looks different for each child based on their developmental level, diagnosis, and need for parental involvement. Teletherapy can provide many opportunities for children to be active and engaged. Sessions target therapy goals just like in-clinic sessions.
For kids receiving OT who struggle to participate in certain routines, this is an opportunity for you to problem-solve with your therapist. Which routine is most challenging? Playtime? Clean up time? Mealtime? Meet during those times. Ask your therapist to provide strategies for making that routine easier for the family. Your therapist can embed your child’s treatment goals into that routine.
Children who are working on play and engagement may not spend any time at the table or in front of the computer at all. The camera is sometimes like a fly on the wall, allowing the parent to play and engage in any child selected activity as they do in the clinical setting, with the therapist guiding the parent. In some scenarios, a visual schedule and visual timer may be used, and in others, a scavenger hunt conducted around your home in an effort to create areas for sensory breaks and obstacle courses.
For Children with sensory and regulation needs, the first session may be more about seeing the home environment, locating sensory items in the home, and figuring out sensory break areas and regulation opportunities.
For children who are able to sit and attend to a computer, a session may include fine motor, visual motor or speech and language activities, just as they would in clinical therapy.
For children needing gross motor skill development, your therapist may demonstrate and instruct you on fun exercises and activities to do with your child that will help them develop their balance, strength, bilateral coordination and ball skills.
Teletherapy in Action!
Teletherapy - Home Obstacle Course
FAQ
Still have questions?
Our therapy team is here to help! We are happy to set up a free phone consultation with you and your child's therapist(s) to answer any additional questions you may have regarding teletherapy or to schedule an initial Zoom call to test your devices prior to your child’s first session.
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