Every Parent’s Dream: Helping Your Child Reach Milestone Success with Telehealth
What if I told you that you could see your doctor, but without needing to leave your home? What if I told you that you could do it safely, efficiently, and effectively — all while making a profound, positive impact on your child’s future? Would you believe me?
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a powerful way to provide health information and services remotely through modern technology. With the current situation our world is experiencing, Telehealth’s popularity has grown significantly — especially here at Pediatric Therapy Associates. First, let me introduce myself. Hi! I’m Nicole Bautista. I’m a co-teacher at a Montessori School, and I’ve been teaching for almost two years now. I work with a lovely group of children ages 2–4.
What does this have to do with Telehealth? I’ll tell you! I’ve had the privilege of working with children who, aside from their time in school, attend therapy sessions every week for a range of needs — whether occupational, physical, or even speech therapy. As a teacher, I get a close-up view of their progress, and it’s truly amazing how much children grow and improve within just a few weeks or months. I’ve teamed up with a Speech Therapist, Ms. Cristina Gutierrez, here at Pediatric Therapy Associates. Ms. Gutierrez is a passionate clinician who is a strong advocate for Telehealth — meeting children remotely and delivering expert guidance, all from a computer screen.
Interview with Ms. Cristina
The Pros and Cons of Telehealth
The pros of Telehealth are clear. We see children make tremendous progress, and we’re able to match their routines to their preferences. We can mix up activities, move at their own pace, and address their unique goals in a way that feels comfortable for both the child and their families. The main downside? The technical hiccups — weak signals, disrupted internet, or poor connection — can sometimes interrupt sessions. Nevertheless, these drawbacks are manageable and worth navigating in service of delivering high-caliber care.
Our Approach: Game Plan and Preparation
My typical game plan involves reviewing the notes to identify what we’re currently focusing on in each child’s therapy. Because I’m not physically there, I prepare a PDF document filled with YouTube videos, nursery rhymes, and printable materials (like animal figures or picture cards) to aid their progress. This lets me align their therapy sessions with their routines, preferences, and goals — much more effectively — while honoring their unique developmental trajectory.
Benefit to the Therapist
This process isn’t just helpful for children — it’s a wonderful opportunity for therapists to grow, collaborate, and become more adaptable in their practice. Telehealth helps us communicate more efficiently with parents, supervisors, and team members. It prepares us to handle whatever might arise during a therapy session — from a technical hiccup to a moment when a child’s focus starts to wander — and adapt gracefully. Furthermore, delivering services remotely lets therapists maximize their reach and provide care to children who might otherwise struggle to access these crucial services. This is especially important for those looking for therapy courses or physical therapy courses to aid their children’s progress from home.
Benefit to Children
Silas is a child we are proud to work with at Pediatric Therapy Associates — a true highlight of our practice — and his progress during the pandemic has been remarkable. His goals are based on a simple, picture-oriented textbook, which allows him to communicate his needs. Phrases like “I want” aid him in developing his ability to speak, while employing sign language further helps him make progress. Currently, he’s adding new words to his vocabulary and making tremendous strides toward clear, purposeful communication. Each day brings a new word — each session, a new breakthrough. We celebrate these small but significant moments together.
Parent’s Dream — Turning Milestone Goals into Reality
Isn’t it amazing how much a child can progress within a short amount of time? It’s a huge accomplishment — not just for the child, but for their family, their therapists, and their support team. This kind of progress is every parent’s dream for their child. All parents want their children to reach their greatest potential — to be on track with their developmental milestones and to grow up strong, healthy, and able to communicate their needs.
So why wait? The future starts now. With Telehealth, your child can get the care, guidance, and support they need to blossom — all from the safety and familiarity of your own home. Whether you’re looking for specialized therapy courses or physical therapy courses for your children, we’re here to collaborate alongside you, honoring their progress, their struggles, and their growing ability to connect with the world.
