OT Teletherapy at PDC
In this issue: OT via Teletherapy
Did you know: PDC Virtual teletherapy services are open to all children in Maryland. PDC provides speech-language, occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy services. Occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need to participate in the occupations of childhood, including:
Fine motor/visual motor skills - for drawing, handwriting, cutting
Gross motor skills - for catching balls, balancing on one foot, and skipping
Sensory processing skills - for tolerating touch, noises, and sensory stimulating environments
Executive functioning skills - for attention, memory, self-regulation, organization and problem solving
Play and social skills - for playing with toys in a variety of ways and engaging with others
Feeding skills - for self-feeding and picky/selective eaters.
Children of all ages and ability levels can participate and benefit from occupational therapy via teletherapy. You do not need to have any special supplies or space - we will use what you have! During teletherapy some children will engage directly with the therapist. The therapist will plan fun social activities that allow your child to develop important skills. For other children, the therapist will use more of a parent coaching model. In this model the therapist will plan activities for you and your child, but you will be directly interacting with your child and the therapist will be guiding you. In either case, you will learn activities and strategies to best support your child’s development.
Teletherapy Advantages: Aside from the obvious time saving advantage of teletherapy, when the session is over - you are already home (!), teletherapy provides other advantages:
Your child is developing skills in the home environment. This allows for easier carry over and generalization of skills.
If there are challenges in your child’s day at home, you and your child’s therapist can collaborate to find solutions.
You will learn new ways to use the items that you already have.
You will also learn strategies to support your child’s progress towards goals.
You will be able to share your child’s “I did it!” moments in therapy!
How to Get Started: OT evaluations can also be done via teletherapy! Evaluations can typically be scheduled within a week of your initial phone call. All intake forms can be filled out online. Through parent interview and engagement with your child, your child’s skills will be assessed and goals developed. If you have any questions about OT and teletherapy please contact us!