TALK’s goal is to make speech therapy an effective and rewarding experience for all children and their families. As our community entered an unexpected pandemic, we quickly shifted to providing teletherapy services for our clients and families. We are so grateful that we were able to make that transition as smooth as possible. The TALK team is excited that we have opened our clinic for safe, in-person services; however, we continue to provide teletherapy sessions for families. Our top priority is our client’s and staff’s health and safety, while continuing to provide effective and rewarding therapy services. Check out some helpful teletherapy tips to ensure that all sessions are successful and fun!
1) Prepare for the Session: Give your child a 15-minute reminder prior to their session beginning. Shut off any devices and give your child a brain break. Schedule some time before their session to move around since they will be required to sit in front of their device for the session.
2) Gather Supplies: Your lead therapist will provide any materials that should be printed and brought to each session. Don’t forget any visual planners, rewards, and reinforcements! It is also good to have a pencil and paper handy for our older clients!
3) Set Up your Environment: Make sure your child is seated at a table or desk maintaining an appropriate seated posture. Reduce the background noise and distractions so that your child can listen and attend to each therapist-given direction and task.
4) Be Available: Depending on the age and independence of your child, you may need to sit with your child. Discuss what support is necessary with your lead therapist prior to your sessions. If your child is independent, make sure you are within ear shot of the session just in case and check in with your therapist at the end of each session for updates and suggestions!
5) Check your Connection: Before your session, make sure that the video, microphone, and speaker are all working properly!
Contact your lead therapist if you have any questions of how you can best support your child in teletherapy! If you have any questions you can call our Burlingame office (650) 344-9961 or our Danville office (925) 725-4632.