Why Consider Virtual, Online Pediatric Therapy?

How You and Your Child Can Benefit from Care at Home

Online, virtual pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy provides benefits beyond the current need for social

distancing. Not all therapies can be successfully administered remotely. Aquatic therapy and feeding strategies for children with swallowing disorders are examples of therapies that must be done in person. However, there are many treatment options for which telehealth is an effective option. Here are some reasons why you should consider online therapy for your child. Online pediatric therapy:

1. Provides options for those who would otherwise have no easy access to therapy: If you live in rural communities or are from linguistically diverse backgrounds, you may have no available therapists nearby who can meet the required needs. Virtual therapy provides access to therapists with a wide range of skills regardless of location.
2. Enhances interactions for those comfortable with computers: Some children who would normally be uncomfortable with face-to-face therapy might engage more easily during remote pediatric therapy sessions or other sessions than they would otherwise, asking and answering questions more easily.
3. Decreases cancellation rates:  If you’re ill or have to deal with bad weather, your child can still attend online sessions.
4. Provides the familiarity and security of the home to practice treatment: Children frequently learn more easily in their own homes by practicing therapies in their everyday environment. For example, children could practice brushing their teeth in their bathroom or easily alternate physical therapy exercises playing an interactive instructional video game.
5. Increases the range of options for children who require specific treatments: Speech therapy includes a broad range of disorders and treatment options. Teletherapy allows kids to work with experts who might not be available for in-person sessions. For example, specialists who specialize in treating children with autism, aphasia, or swallowing disorders are otherwise frequently unavailable anywhere near the parent’s home. Virtual appointments allow for more availability
6. Provides the benefit of recorded sessions: With permission to record sessions, children’s parents and other family members can review them at a later date, assist with further treatment, and be aware of ongoing progress with the child’s care.
7. Makes sharing of information easier: Families and therapists can exchange files as needed during sessions.

Read our new case study on Brielle, a 3-year-old girl with a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy who was born at 27 weeks and remained in the NICU for five months after birth. Although she began with face to face therapy sessions, Brielle has continued to progress in telehealth sessions with her T2000 Physical Therapist, Jessica Rossman, PT, DPT.

Whether your child requires online pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or a combination of these, the experienced therapists at Therapy 2000 can help you determine the most effective treatment plan for your child.

For more information about our telehealth options, contact us.