How to Enhance Your Child’s Speech and Language Development and Get the Most out of Teletherapy
Published on in CHOP News
Published on in CHOP News
Parents and caregivers have always had a critical role in promoting their child’s speech and language skills at home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the caregiver’s role has drastically changed and has become increasingly more hands-on. Children are spending more time at home and may be involved in virtual school as well as virtual speech and language therapy.
If the caregiver and therapist plan ahead and continue to communicate, teletherapy may be very beneficial to the child.
Being prepared prior to your first session is key to maximizing the teletherapy experience. An email or phone conversation between you and your speech-language pathologist (SLP) will provide an opportunity to ask questions and make sure you are prepared for your first session.
Here are some questions you may want to ask:
If your child does better “on the move,” you may choose to have your sessions in their bedroom or playroom and incorporate their favorite toys and games into the session. Using a phone might be easier for you in this case, as you will probably be following your child around! Consider being in a room with a door so you are not chasing your child throughout the entire house. Your SLP will guide the session and may ask for your assistance at times.
The pandemic has put more responsibility on parents/caregivers to foster and support their child’s therapeutic needs. The good news is that with the right support and guidance, caregivers can easily incorporate speech and language activities throughout their child’s typical day.
Your child’s speech-language pathologist can give you more suggestions based on your child’s specific needs. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Keep in mind, we have been living in a virtual world during this pandemic and have had to adjust and learn new things quickly. All our roles and responsibilities have been pushed to the limit.
Your SLP understands what you are going through because they are most likely experiencing similar situations. Communicate with them, let them know what you need and what is realistic for you and your family. We all want what is best for your child, and together we will work to ensure the time spent together is positive and beneficial for your child.
Submitted by:
Christine L. Sullivan, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist