4 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Teletherapy

Teletherapy is a word that we’ve all become familiar with over the past few months and probably a word we didn’t know much about until now. We’ve all had to be catapulted out of our comfort zones during these unprecedented times and how we facilitate therapy is no exception. Therapists, parents, and most importantly our children, have been expected to do their therapy sessions on a computer, phone, or tablet. It’s different than anything we’ve ever experienced before. But teletherapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. Our job is to make it fun and enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few tips that can make teletherapy sessions go a little smoother.

1. PREP YOUR CHILD FOR THERAPY

We can do this by providing a visual schedule, a visual countdown or a visual timer to que them when it’s time for therapy. An example of this would be to print out pictures to help your child know what’s happening in their day. If you’d prefer to not print out pictures, you can also simply draw representations instead. This can be easily done with a pen and sheet of paper. A third example would be a visual count down using different colored sheets of construction paper, and velcro. You can also use an app, which can be a great way for your child to also have an audible que as well.

2. LIMIT DISTRACTIONS

Before your teletherapy session begins, make sure to turn off any electronics that could be distracting, such as TV’s and music players. If you have another child that is doing online learning turn their screen away from the child that is doing therapy. This will help keep the focus during the session.

3. FIND A FAVORITE ACTIVITY

Sometimes we’ll need to have a little motivator to get through the session. Ask your therapist beforehand if items like bubbles or play dough are okay to bring out as a motivator. Chances are your therapist will be more than happy to participate with that activity during therapy. You might also want to consider keeping this as a special activity that only happens during your teletherapy sessions.

4. TAKE BREAKS

Online sessions can feel like a long time for your child to sit still and focus on a screen, so it is totally okay for your child to take breaks when needed. If you’re finding them very antsy and wanting to run around, that’s okay. That can also provide a great time for you to ask your therapist questions, get clarity on what specific goals and targets they’re working on with your child, and to get some suggestions for activities that you can do with your child at home to help them achieve those goals. Hopefully this gives your child a break so that they can come back fresh.

 It is our job to make therapy as fun as possible, so your child stays engaged. Hopefully, these tips will help as long as teletherapy sessions continue.