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Can you give an example of a pediatric treatment provided via telehealth, the session length, and how much parents need to be involved?

Aditi Mehra, DHSc, OTR/L

May 1, 2020

Question

Can you give an example of a pediatric treatment provided via telehealth? What is the typical length of the session? How much do the parents need to be involved?

Answer

1)What does a typical session look like?
 
This is a treatment example for an 8-year-old boy with goals for handwriting (fine motor and visual perceptual). I would email the caregiver the night before with the time for the 30-minute session and any supplies needed. I also use a PPT as a visual schedule.
 
Step 1:  Collaborate with parents on a reward for the student.
 
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Step 2:  Ask the parents to have certain the items ready:
 
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Step 3: Use a visual schedule with the student on PowerPoint so they can cross off as an item is completed.
 
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2) What is the typical length of a session?

It depends on the age of the child and if there is a facilitator present.  Typically, I do 30-minute sessions.
 
3)How much do the parents need to help during these sessions?
 
It depends on the child's age and attention. However, after a few sessions, a routine is often established and this tends to decrease the need for a facilitator.  It is important and helpful to have a routine or schedule with the session and use a 2:1 ratio. You work on 2 easier or preferred tasks for every non- preferred activity.
 
 
For more information on the topic of "Telehealth in Pediatrics", please check out the OT Virtual Cafe chat.


aditi mehra

Aditi Mehra, DHSc, OTR/L

Dr. Aditi Mehra is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience across school, clinical, and educational settings. She holds a Bachelorʼs degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University and a Doctorate in Health Sciences from Midwestern University. During her doctoral studies, she also completed certification training in Behavior Analysis to further deepen her understanding of learning and behavior.

Dr. Mehra is the Director of the Chicago Fit Learning lab, where she integrates Precision Teaching and data-driven learning methodologies to support academic and developmental growth. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Lewis University and develops continuing education trainings for therapists and educators, with a focus on neurodiversity, learning, and AI-supported educational practices.

In addition to her clinical and educational work, Dr. Mehra is currently preparing her first published continuing education presentation and educational resources focused on innovative, evidence-based approaches in therapy and learning. 

 


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