How to prepare for virtual speech therapy?

Virtual speech therapy sessions are a valuable time for you to ask questions and learn individualized strategies to help your child’s communication skills grow. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the most out of your sessions:

Setting up the environment

Double-check your devices

Ensure that you have access to the internet and that your device is charged beforehand. Use a computer or tablet if available, instead of logging on from your phone. If needed, install the video calling program that you will use ahead of time.

Reduce distractions

Choose a quiet area of your home to set up for your session. Reduce distractions and background noise by turning off the television, shutting windows to reduce traffic noise, and closing any open tabs on your computer or tablet.

Choose supportive seating

Choose supportive seating for your child. This will look different depending on your little one and your home set up, but think about placing your child in his or her highchair or at a kid’s table if available. That being said, anticipate that your child may need movement breaks during the virtual session.

Preparing your child (and yourself)!

Avoid tantrums during transitions

Ease the transition from lunch or playtime to speech therapy by letting your child know it’s almost time to log on for your session. You might tell your child, “first lunch then speech” or, “we have two more minutes to play before we see [speech therapist’s name].”

Have activities on hand

Have a few toys that your child loves within reach so that these can be incorporated into the therapy session. These can include things like picture books, bubbles, blocks, toy cars or animals.

Write it down!

Write down any questions or updates from the previous week that you would like to share. If your little one started making a new sound or added another word to their vocabulary, your speech therapist will be excited to celebrate these wins with you!

If you have any questions specific to setting up your therapy sessions, just ask! Your speech therapist is available to answer questions and offer recommendations specific to your child’s unique learning style.