How Do I Prepare for a Virtual Consultation Session?
December 14, 2022
Virtual speech therapy sessions are a valuable time for you to ask questions and learn individualized strategies to develop your child's communication skills and encourage their growth.
Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your sessions:
- Set up the environment
1. Double-check your devices
Make sure you have internet access and ensure that your device is charged beforehand. Use a computer or tablet if available, rather than logging in from your phone.
If necessary, install the video call software you will be using in advance.
2. Minimize distractions
Choose a quiet area in your home to set up for your session, and reduce distractions and background noise by turning off the TV, closing windows to reduce traffic noise, and closing any open tabs on your computer or tablet.
3. Choose comfortable seating for your child
Choose a suitable and comfortable spot for your child. This will look different depending on your child's habits and your home setup, but consider placing your child in their high chair or at a child-sized table if available.
However, expect that your child may need movement breaks during the virtual session.
- Prepare your child and yourself!
1. Avoid tantrums during transitions
You can ease the transition from lunchtime or playtime to speech therapy by letting your child know that it is time to log in to your session. You might tell your child, "Lunch, then session," or "We have two more minutes of play before we see [Speech Therapist's Name]."
2. Keep toys within reach
Keep some toys your child loves within reach so they can be integrated into the therapy session. These could include items like picture books, bubbles, blocks, toy cars, or animals.
3. Write it down!
Write down any questions or updates you would like to share. If your child has started making a new sound or added another word to their vocabulary, your speech therapist will be excited to celebrate these gains with you!
Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.
