Telehealth

  • Telehealth/Virtual Sessions for Pediatric Speech & Occupational Therapy
    Telehealth (or virtual therapy) allows children to receive speech-language therapy and occupational therapy (OT)from home through secure video sessions. These sessions are conducted by licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and occupational therapists (OTs) using interactive activities tailored to each child’s needs.
    How Virtual Speech Therapy Works
    A speech-language pathologist (SLP) provides therapy through:
    • Interactive games and visuals (e.g., digital flashcards, storybooks).
    • Live modeling and demonstrations of correct speech sounds and language structures.
    • Engaging activities (e.g., turn-taking games, question-answer practice).
    • Parent coaching to support communication at home.
    • AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) support for children using speech devices (e.g., Proloquo2Go).
    🔹 Best for: Articulation therapy, language development, social communication, AAC training, stuttering therapy.
    🔹 May not be ideal for: Children who need hands-on oral-motor therapy or struggle with attention in a virtual format.
    How Virtual Occupational Therapy (OT) Works
    An occupational therapist (OT) provides guidance for:
    • Fine motor skill development (e.g., handwriting, grasping, using utensils).
    • Gross motor skills & coordination (e.g., balance activities, core strengthening).
    • Sensory processing support (e.g., strategies for regulating sensory sensitivities).
    • Self-care skills (e.g., dressing, hygiene, feeding techniques).
    • Parent coaching & home activity recommendations.
    🔹 Best for: Handwriting, sensory strategies, strengthening exercises, self-care routines.
    🔹 May not be ideal for: Children needing hands-on support for complex motor delays.
    What Does a Virtual Session Look Like?
    1️⃣ Parent & Child Log Into a Secure Video Platform (e.g., Zoom).
    2️⃣ Therapist Leads Engaging, Structured Activities (customized for the child).
    3️⃣ Parent Involvement May Be Needed (especially for young children).
    4️⃣ Home Exercises Are Given to reinforce therapy between sessions.
    Benefits of Telehealth Therapy
    ✔ Convenient & Flexible – No travel required, fits into family schedules.
    ✔ Family Involvement – Parents get real-time strategies to use at home.
    ✔ Effective for Many Children – Studies show virtual therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for many speech and language goals