Telehealth For Pediatric Therapy
With restrictions and hesitations regarding face-to-face therapy sessions, telehealth is a safe and proven way for your family to stay on track with your child’s therapy goals! Oak Tree therapists of all specialties are all trained on the use of the Coaching Model of pediatric therapy, an evidence-based approach to video telehealth sessions that works for children of all ages and abilities.
What is the Coaching Model?
The Coaching Model is a research-based method of pediatric therapy that targets caregiver’s learning. When therapists provide home programs and recommendations that help your child progress toward goals, they are using this model. The five characteristics of the coaching model are: joint planning, observation, action/practice, reflection and feedback. During joint planning, the therapist and family collaborate on goals and actions that will be taken during and in between therapy sessions. During observation, the therapist will carefully watch the chosen activity, taking note of which strategies are being used. (An OT or SLP observing a feeding session is a good example of this.) Next, reflection occurs; adults discuss how the strategies worked or didn’t work. The therapist then provides skilled feedback, which often includes updates to the home program recommendations. Between sessions, families can follow the action/practice step by incorporating the recommendations into family routines. (The Coaching Model - Marfield 2010). The process repeats itself during a followup session, in which the therapist will ask the caregiver to reflect on the child’s progress from the prior week.
Is teletherapy right for me?
At first, many families may assume that their child is too young for telehealth, or that the child’s abilities do not align with using technology during a therapy session. However, since the Coaching Model is directed primarily at the adults in the family, children of all ages and abilities can benefit from this therapy technique. If your child already receives therapy services at home, clinic or school settings, the transition to teletherapy is not as complicated as it sounds. Initial evaluations and new clients can also benefit from teletherapy. If you are curious or hesitant, schedule a trial session or a phone call with your child’s therapist to discuss if this style of therapy will work for your family.
Plan ahead!
Choose a time of day that works well for your family, when your work responsibilities are less demanding, and when the child is rested and attentive. Discuss the session’s agenda with the therapist ahead of time, including any supplies needed. Depending on your child’s goals and type of therapy, some simple supplies such as books, crayons and paper, toys or pillows may be used. Discuss the space requirements with the therapist. They may want an open area for play or movement, or a table for the child to sit attentively. If there are siblings, pets, or other adults in the home, consider if it is possible to have them stay in another room to reduce distractions and sounds.
Choose your device
Teletherapy video sessions rely on webcams and web-based programs that are available on laptop computers, tablets or smartphones. Let your therapist know what technology and programs (Zoom, Facetime, etc) you have available or are comfortable using, and your therapist can help you create the best setup for your sessions. For some families, setting up a tablet or laptop in a stationary place in the room works best, for others, keeping a smartphone on hand through the session is fine. Make sure the device is charged or plugged in, and check the microphone and camera ahead of time.
Be flexible with your expectations
Not every session will go as planned, and that’s ok. Many therapists plan for a range between 30 to 60 minute sessions to accommodate childrens’ attention spans, and we always have backup plans for when things change directions. Kids are kids, and sometimes emotions, distractions or bathroom breaks impact the therapy session. Therapists understand this, and can accommodate. There is a learning curve to teletherapy for parents too, and it is normal to feel frustrated sometimes. Take things one session at a time. Remember, that home programs are just as important as sessions, and you can always try the activities at a different time.
Be Present
For children under 3, therapy sessions utilize the coaching method, in which most interactions occur between therapist and caregiver, and the caregiver leads the activities with the child. For older children, and for some therapies such as speech, the therapist will work directly with the child through the screen. While many children can appropriately manage this with set up, it is important that the caregiver remain nearby to monitor the child’s participation and to be available to communicate with the therapist as needed.
Speak up!
As a caregiver, if you are finding teletherapy to be challenging, talk about it with the therapist. Perhaps it’s time to work on other goals, change up strategies, or think about the duration and timing of sessions. Maybe your family needs a week off to regroup, or a different family member can take over some of the sessions. You are your child’s greatest advocate, and the purpose of therapy is to work toward family goals.
Currently the Illinois Early Intervention program is allowing for telehealth services due to Covid19. Children currently enrolled in the program can opt in at any time and receive teletherapy services at the same frequency as were previously allowed in person. Private insurance is also allowing for telehealth services at this time. Oak Tree therapists are equipped to provide telehealth services to all of our clients.