3 Ways to Get More Out of Your Child's Therapy
As a fly on the wall of a pediatric speech and feeding therapy clinic, I’ve learned so much about the processes of communication and eating. I’ve been extremely fortunate to be an office manager at such a highly rated clinic and as I transition to a remote role, I wanted to share three things I’ve learned about the therapeutic process. If you’d like to read about what I’ve learned about the specifics of speech and feeding, you can read my other post, From the Mouths of Babes: 10 Things I’ve Learned From Our Clients and Speech Therapists.
Creative Speech Therapy means so much to me. Rachael has built this business centered on her clients, their needs, and their growth. She is a master at lovingly communicating with children and explaining how to best help them to their parents. Her kind and knowledgeable demeanor permeate every aspect of this business and she has shown me what I can expect from a provider in my own life. I hope these three tips can help you and your child get more out of therapy too.
1. Have a holistic mindset
Not sure what holistic means? Check out our other post, What is Holistic Treatment and is it Important for Speech & Feeding Therapy?
Holistic treatment is popular because it is the most efficient treatment path. Providers who encourage it and support you in your wholistic efforts, truly care about your child’s growth. They understand how all the moving pieces come together to tell the whole story; they know that it takes a village.
If you’re overwhelmed at this thought or don’t know how to make it happen, start small. Send one email to connect two of your child’s providers, like a speech therapist and school teacher. You can slowly add in more providers as time goes on, building your child’s dream team one person at a time. As they all work together toward cohesive goals, your child will soar and sessions, school, and home will feel more connected and cohesive.
Two ways we practice holistic treatment at Creative Speech Therapy is through group Zoom calls and a shared Google drive folder. Often our therapists will hop on Zoom calls with a child’s parent, teacher, school therapist, SEIT, occupational therapist, and whoever else is on that child’s team. There, they can all discuss the child’s goals and how that child behaves in different environments. They can share successes with one another and find new ways to reach the child if they’re in a rut in their own sphere.
We also use a shared Google drive folder to keep homework, carryover activities, and a weekly treatment plan. This folder can be shared with as many people as the parents would like. That way everyone can contribute and add to cohesive treatment outside the therapy room.
2. Remember that every family is different and your normal is perfect for you and your kids
How you and your family support your child’s therapeutic goals is going to be unique. One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to kids, and especially when it comes to kids who are neurodiverse.
If your child’s focus is gone after 5 minutes, there is no shame in putting down the flashcards and pivoting to a play break. Learn to work with what your child can offer. Learn to speak candidly with your child’s therapist about what works and the frequency of what your child can handle.
3. The work, works
Consistency, consistency, consistency. That’s the big secret. Consistency in the work is the surefire way to help your little one do their best. Sessions with their therapist are invaluable, but so is all the time you spend dedicated to their progress outside of the therapy room. And as stated in point two, you are the designer of what that system looks like.
If after-school time is their time to relax, let it be that. Maybe your ritual is practicing during the bath or right before bed. Maybe you have a whole week of practicing 30 minutes a day and the next week you only get a few moments where they can focus. The important thing is consistently trying to put in the work.
If you want to read more about how consistency in therapy helps with results, check out our other post, Cancellations Hinder Therapy.
Holistic thinking, honing your unique family dynamics, and consistent work with your child will no doubt help them get more out of therapy. It’s also imperative to everyone’s well being to remember that growth takes time. You can be doing everything right and still not see a lot of progress right away. That does not mean it’s not working. Be patient with your child and yourself. You can only do your best!
Written by: Jane Wright, Office Manager/Marketing