If your child was previously enrolled in a special education class or was
receiving school or outpatient speech-language, occupational therapy or
physical therapy, you may be concerned about the disruption in these
services due to recent school and therapy office closures.
Just like teachers are now using tele-education to continue teaching your
children, therapists are now using teletherapy to continue providing these
important services. Many therapists who previously worked in schools or
clinics are now having great success with teletherapy services. Through
teletherapy services, your child can continue to have regularly scheduled
appointments that address his or her goals.
Although there are certain advantages to therapy services provided in the
schools and clinic locations, the recent use of teletherapy has also
highlighted some advantages to this model of service delivery. During
teletherapy, children are seen in the environment in which they spend most
of their time – their home. Therapists are able to help children develop
skills and routines in their homes, using the materials, toys, etc. that
the child routinely has available. Parents are encouraged, and often
needed, to participate in teletherapy sessions. This involvement and
interaction with their child’s therapist enable parents to learn ways they
can further support their child’s progress, and can improve the probability
that techniques used in sessions become part of home routines.
Albeit, teletherapy was not how most therapists envisioned providing
services this year. In this time of crisis and unpredictability, it has
provided many children and their families with a continued connection to an
important person in the child’s life and has helped to keep established
routines and structure. Most importantly, children are developing skills
and enjoying the sessions.
FAQs
Does my health insurance cover teletherapy?
Many health insurance plans have expanded their coverage of teletherapy
services. Even if your plan did not previously cover teletherapy, it may
now cover it.
What supplies do I need for my child to participate in teletherapy?
To participate in teletherapy, your child needs an internet connection and
a device with an integrated camera and microphone. A device like a personal
computer, laptop or tablet is desirable, but it’s also possible to have
good sessions with just a smartphone. A child would also ideally have a
quiet space to work with a desk or table and supplies, such as paper,
pencil, crayons or markers, scissors and glue. If your child is younger, a
small space with toys for play would also work.
Does my child need to have previously been in therapy to start
teletherapy sessions?
No, however, each child will need to have an evaluation with goals. If your
child does not have a recent evaluation report, he or she will need to be
evaluated prior to starting services. In most cases, an evaluation can be
done via teletherapy.
How often will my child receive therapy through teletherapy?
This will depend on your child’s needs and your schedule. Your child’s
evaluation or progress report will determine the therapist’s
recommendation, but ultimately the child’s parent decides if the child is
able to participate in the recommended amount of therapy. Even once weekly
therapy can have great benefits.
How long is each teletherapy session?
Sessions are 30- 60 minutes in length.
What if I do not think that my child would be able to participate in
teletherapy sessions?
That is a valid concern. However, therapists are very skilled in keeping
children engaged and will work with you and your child to maximize the
benefits of teletherapy. In some cases, it may be more beneficial for a
therapist to use a coaching model to support parents in helping their child
achieve his or her goals. In this model, the child’s parent engages the
child in an activity and the therapist coaches the parent during the
activity. Families have reported experiencing real “aha moments” during
sessions like this.
How do I get more information or initiate teletherapy services for my
child?
Many local therapy clinics are now providing teletherapy. Call or check
their websites for information.
