For many families, Telehealth is not a ‘lesser than’ option, with evidence pointing to Telehealth being a comparable option for therapy.

In some situations, Telehealth is able to engage a child more successfully than clinic based sessions. Some of our older children find Telehealth is a great opportunity to practice independence, allowing them to take charge of their own therapy. Some sessions are also more beneficial via Telehealth as the OT can provide parents with strategies and activities to do in their natural environment. It is our goal to help families feel confident and competent, and Telehealth can effectively support this essential part of the therapy process.

Telehealth appointments can be the preferred choice to:

1. Allow another parent or family member to access appointments. Some parents are unable to attend their child’s session in person so prefer to join virtually.

2. Access a parent education or coaching session. See ‘what is parent coaching?’

3. Access a home-based OT observation session. This allows your OT to observe an everyday activity in your child’s natural setting. This could be a mealtime, remote learning activity, gross motor skills such as bike riding, or playing with siblings.

5. Complete an information gathering session. We prepare part of our NDIS summary reports in collaboration with our families to ensure the report accurately represents the family’s needs and goals. This is often more convenient for our families via Zoom.

6. Allow your OT to attend a meeting. This could be an SSG meeting with school, a care team meeting with other providers, or a meeting with family members.

7. Allow their OT conduct a school consult session. This can allow your child’s teacher or Learning Support Officer to liaise with your OT or observe a therapy session.

8. Access support worker training. This can allow your OT to collaborate with your child’s support worker’s and provide them with ideas and tools that will support your child’s participation.