Telehealth sessions can be challenging when it comes to maintaining learner engagement—especially for young children. Without the structure of an in-person environment, it’s easy for attention to drift.
The good news is that with a few simple, proactive strategies, parents and providers can work together to create a more supportive and successful virtual experience.
In This Post You’ll Learn:
Why Challenging Behaviors Happen in Telehealth
Challenging behaviors during telehealth are often not random—they usually happen for a reason.
Common triggers include:
Why this matters: When we understand the “why” behind behavior, we can respond more effectively and proactively.
Strategy 1: Set Clear Expectations Up Front
Start each session by helping the learner understand what will happen.
Quick Tip: Review expectations at the beginning and briefly before transitions.
Strategy 2: Use Proactive Supports (Don’t Wait for Behavior)
Prevention is key in telehealth.
Why this works: Keeping learners engaged reduces the likelihood of challenging behavior.
Strategy 3: Respond Calmly and Consistently
When challenging behavior does occur, how we respond matters.
Quick Tip: Consistency between parent and provider responses is key.
Real-Life Example
During a telehealth session, a young learner began to disengage and avoid tasks by leaving their seat and refusing to participate. Instead of immediately prompting them back, we paused and introduced a short, structured break followed by a preferred activity.
Once the learner re-engaged, we gradually returned to the original task. This approach helped reduce escalation and allowed the session to continue more smoothly.
Takeaway: Addressing behavior early and adjusting the environment can prevent escalation and support re-engagement.
Strategy 4: Reinforce Positive Behavior
Focus on what the learner is doing well.
Why this matters: Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of those behaviors happening again.
Make It Work for You
You don’t need to handle challenging behaviors alone—collaboration is key.
Start small: Choose one strategy to focus on this week.
Final Thoughts
Challenging behaviors in telehealth are common, but they are also manageable. With proactive strategies, clear expectations, and consistent support, virtual sessions can be both productive and positive experiences for learners and families.
Author: Jasmine Sancedo