You will be invited to an online appointment via email. When you open the link at your scheduled appointment time, your OT will be waiting on screen, ready to carry out the therapy session. In some instances, your OT will ask you to have certain things printed or ready to utilise within the session. Most therapy approaches and services can still be utilised via Telehealth including assessment, skills training, cognitive and behavioral interventions, education, and coaching (see ‘what is parent coaching?’ for more information).

For younger children or children with higher support needs, therapy will be delivered by utilising parent coaching, or guiding the parent in how to work directly with their child. There are many ways that Telehealth can be utilised to achieve therapy outcomes. You and your OT will work together to find an approach that works for you and your child, that does not compromise therapy outcomes.

For older children who can manage technology themselves and are motivated to engage in therapy, they will be able to participate in Telehealth activities more independently in working towards their goals. Parents are still required to be present for all sessions so they can supervise their child, provide support where needed, and be able to facilitate practice and implementation of strategies between sessions.