5 Tips for a Smooth Teletherapy Transition

5 Tips for a Smooth Teletherapy Transition


Teletherapy is a new service temporarily offered at Little Lukes. We decided to offer this program to help children with developmental disabilities receive the therapy and special education services they need while our community is on pause due to the current public health crisis. Little Lukes Teletherapist, Sam SLP, is one the many therapists offering services through this platform.




Advantages of Teletherapy


“Teletherapy works by connecting the child and his or her family with a therapist or special education teacher, using a secure video conferencing platform. Through the platform, as a team, we’re able to target the child’s goals while providing the family with strategies on how to best support the child at home,” Sam explained. One of the many advantages of signing up for a Teletherapy appointment is that the parent can now observe and participate in the session in real time. For some children, therapy and special education is provided in Little Lukes Preschool, the child’s daycare or UPK, however Teletherapy is done at home via video conferencing to facilitate proper social distancing.


Another advantage is avoiding progress regression. “Families without access to therapy or special education may see regression of skills and/or an increase in the child’s use of undesired behaviors due to frustration. Parents may also feel overwhelmed as they try to determine what activities, strategies, and techniques would best support their child’s skills.” 


Teletherapy allows the child to receive targeted intervention, not only to address the child’s goals as stated in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), but also to address the family’s concerns. “For example, during the session, the child may target his or her ability to use 2-3-words within a sentence and then the parent/guardian and the clinician can discuss strategies on how the child can use his or her words instead of yelling during a meal time,” explained Sam.


Tips for Transitioning to Teletherapy


While Teletherapy offers many new advantages for your child, it doesn’t come without a transition. Sam says, “one struggle that the child may face using teletherapy is that they may be reluctant to participate in the sessions initially.” It can be hard to try something new, especially if it is very different than what you are used to. However, with the parent or guardian’s support, Teletherapy can be a very positive experience. To help facilitate a smoother transition, Sam gave us tips on how to get the most out of a Teletherapy appointment.


  1. Ease Them Into It

Sam suggests to follow your child’s lead and let their behaviors determine the structure of the initial appointments. “If the child is reluctant to participate initially in the structured activity, we can still engage the child and target his or her goals through play or other ways that make them feel comfortable with this new routine.”


  1. Bring Plenty of Their Favorite Toys

Sam likes to use music, familiar songs, and movement breaks to help the child engage in the therapy session. In addition, your therapist may ask to have certain materials available for the child to use during the session, such as play-doh, coloring materials, and other toys.


  1. Choose a Room with Plenty of Space

It’s not uncommon for children under 5 to have trouble focusing after a certain period of time. As Sam mentioned, movement breaks are a great way to peak their interest and help them refocus. Dedicating an area with enough room for them to move around can help facilitate this technique.


  1. Participate

Every Teletherapy appointment requires a parent or guardian to be present during the entire session. Because the therapist or special education teacher is not physically with the child, Teletherapy sessions work best as a team effort to keep your child engaged and help instruct them. These appointments also serve as a way for parents, teachers, and therapists to communicate and discuss various strategies to use outside of Teletherapy appointments. In addition, parents or guardians are required to sign an online form at the end of every Teletherapy session.


  1. Observe and Report

“As therapists and special education teachers, it really helps when parents offer suggestions on how to work with their child, observe and participate within the session, and use the strategies throughout the child’s day to target his or her skills.” At your next appointment you as a parent or guardian can report back to the therapist or teacher and let them know if there are any goals your child is doing well with or struggling with. This helps them to really tailor their methods to help your child reach the goals named in their IEP. 


Sign Up for Teletherapy with a Little Lukes Teletherapist or Special Education Teleteacher


Teletherapy at Little Lukes is an online occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech pathology, or special education session via video conferencing. The Teletherapy sessions are 30-60 minutes with a licensed OT, PT, SLP, or Special Education Teacher and are based on the services, frequency and length of time named in a child’s pre-existing IEP (individualized education plan) or IFSP (individualized family service plan). A parent or guardian must be present in the same room during the Teletherapy session, and may need to help the child with simple tasks and instructions. At the end of the session, the parent or guardian must sign a daily electronic signature form.


Teletherapy sessions are by appointment only. Teletherapy is only available for children who already have an IEP or IFSP with Little Lukes. To sign up for Teletherapy sessions for your child, please call Lori at 315-326-3346 or email LL@littlelukes.com with your name & child’s name.