How to Maximize Your Child’s Therapy Benefits

Long evaluations, constant scheduling, endless driving back and forth, re-scheduling, and re-evaluations -- therapy is not only a lot of hard work for our children but for us too. So how do we maximize each session to get the very best from all of that combined effort?

Let’s start with the basics:

1. Diaper check / potty break and snacks. This seems obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times we started a session with a fussy toddler and realized she had a wet diaper or was hungry. Offer some snacks, and fluids before the session, and do a quick diaper check, or potty break, before each session to start off on the right foot.

   And offer plenty of fluids and snacks after too — therapy is mentally and physically draining!

2. Therapy should be fun! "There's no crying in therapy." (IYKYK) If your child is crying at every appointment, it’s time to find a new therapist. No one learns when they’re crying. Protect your child’s enjoyment of therapy at all costs. If your child is crying for longer than five minutes, consider asking the therapist to take a break, or end the session, and try again next time.

3. One session of a therapy per week is usually not enough. Fight for that extra session. If you can't get it, then beef up the at-home exercises (see below).

4. Find a developmental pediatrician to help you navigate your child’s development. They are THE KEY to your child’s success. They will help you navigate everything — how many sessions are appropriate, who are the best therapists; and they will help you find the providers and services your child needs, like specialized dentists, hippotherapy, and myofunctional therapy.
   

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, and your child is having fun and getting the appropriate services and frequency of services, here’s how to maximize each session:

1. Take notes. We take a note pad to each session to take notes, so we can all keep track (parents and caretakers) of focus areas and progress at home.

2. Ask your therapist for three exercises to focus on each week. Write them down on a white board so everyone knows what they should be focusing on each week. A team approach is crucial here. For example, in PT, we’re working on (1) “Hands down, stand up” (standing up unassisted staring from a low block); (2) ankle flexibility (stretches morning, afternoon, and evening), and (3) stepping over obstacles (broom stick).

3. Consider your child’s routine. Our daughter is a big-time napper. And she is pretty grouchy when she wakes up. We tried afternoon therapy sessions, and they were always such a struggle. One day, I’d had enough and changed all of her sessions to morning sessions. What a difference it made! She was having fun and learning, and it was easier on all of us. Do what works for your family.

4. Practice each therapy for 20 minutes per day. EVERY SINGLE DAY. Your child must practice the three exercises for each therapy for 20 minutes each day. If you skip a day or two, it's fine. Home practice is the most important part of therapy. Our therapists see our daughter developing rapidly each week, and they know it’s because we’re working hard at home. Again, these practice sessions should be fun. Make therapy a game, with plenty of encouragement.

5. Re-evaluate therapists. Your child should be progressing. If they aren’t, talk with your therapist, let them know your concerns and ask them for a plan to address them. Give it a few more weeks, and, if things still aren’t progressing, consider finding a new therapist. It’s all about finding the right fit. (If you notice long developmental plateaus or regressions, contact your pediatrician/neurologist immediately.)

6. Remain calm. Your child isn’t going to start walking or talking overnight. Our daughter was in speech therapy for over three years and before she started speaking. She was in physical therapy twice a week for two years before she took her first steps. It takes patience, love, and encouragement. And it takes time.
   

These tips have made such a huge improvement on our child’s development, and we hope they help yours too! Remember, try to stay focused on the present and celebrate each milestone as it comes.