How does virtual occupational therapy work?
What is virtual occupational therapy, and how does it work?
In this video, Clinical Director Ashley Moates walks you through what you can expect in virtual occupational therapy.
Virtual occupational therapy provides your child with essential skill-building activities, right from home. Our sessions are tailored to help your child gain independence in daily activities—like fine motor skills, coordination, and sensory processing. At TeamUp Therapy, we keep things hands-on and engaging, using everyday household items and active exercises. Plus, parents can join in, learning strategies to support progress between sessions. Virtual OT is research-backed, effective, and gives your child the tools they need—all with flexibility and convenience.
What if my child can’t sit still? How will he sit in front of the screen?
In this video, Clinical Director Ashley Moates explains how virtual therapy is effective EVEN IF your child does not like to sit still.
It’s natural to worry about your child’s ability to stay focused during online sessions. However, online occupational therapy is designed to be dynamic and interactive, going beyond just sitting and looking at a screen. Here are some of the strategies we use to keep your child engaged:
Interactive Play: Play is central to OT sessions. Activities might include scavenger hunts for household items, building obstacle courses, or using toys for reaching and balancing games. These activities keep your child moving and engaged.
Movement Breaks: Movement is a regular part of OT, with short breaks to help children stay focused and regulated. This can include activities like jumping, stretching, or rolling a ball.
Parent Involvement: Therapists guide parents on using everyday items—like pillows, spoons, or toys—to keep the session dynamic and engaging. Parent support helps bring therapy to life in a fun, hands-on way that encourages learning between sessions.
The Role of Play in Occupational Therapy
Play is a core part of occupational therapy because it keeps children engaged and helps therapy feel enjoyable. For younger kids, play might involve activities like stacking objects, sorting items, or navigating simple obstacle courses. For older children, it could mean more complex games that involve movement and problem-solving. Through play, children practice their OT goals naturally, making it easier to use new skills in daily life. Developing strong play skills also supports overall physical, social, and emotional growth, helping children succeed in many areas.
The Magic Ingredient: YOU
Parent involvement, often referred to as parent coaching, is a key component of successful occupational therapy. When parents actively participate in sessions and practice strategies at home, children tend to make faster and more significant progress. Our therapists coach parents on using specific techniques and tools, like guiding fine motor activities or integrating sensory exercises into daily routines. This might include modeling how to assist with certain movements, suggesting ways to improve coordination during play, or offering tips for calming strategies. The more practice a child gets at home, the quicker they reach their OT goals.
What does a typical speech teletherapy visit look like?
Trick question - there is no “typical” speech therapy visit! At TeamUp Therapy, we tailor each session to fit your child's unique needs and goals.
However, for an example, imagine a session with a 2-year-old who is very active and has a short attention span. The therapist might start by allowing the child some time to get their wiggles out while chatting with the parent. This initial interaction helps set a comfortable tone for the session. The therapist then incorporates activities the child enjoys, such as dancing to music or coloring. For instance, the therapist might use the child’s interest in music to practice words like “more” or “on.” The parent plays a crucial role by turning the music on and off based on the child’s requests, reinforcing the use of specific words. As the session progresses, the therapist may introduce new activities, like offering choices between coloring or reading a book, to keep the child engaged. This approach ensures that therapy is both effective and enjoyable, following the child’s lead and adapting to their needs and interests.
