Telehealth Services
Telehealth became a necessary way to deliver mental health care to our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, research has shown that the continued utilization of telehealth services is in fact beneficial for the individual and their progress with ABA therapy.
With Telehealth services, parents and caregivers are a part of all treatment sessions where they can learn ABA strategies that can further their child’s overall progress in obtaining behavioral goals. Studies have found that parents of children with autism and other disorders that use an online platform to meet with specialists and learn communication techniques and therapies like ABA can improve treatment at home and increase the family’s ability to communicate with their child with Autism spectrum Disorder or other disorders.
Benefits of Receiving ABA Services via Telehealth
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Those receiving ABA services via telehealth receive more supervision. This means more treatment updates, monitoring, and modifications. Telehealth requires parent participation in a way that allows parents to learn and implement skills with their child.
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Telehealth use in initial assessment and ongoing care means immediate appointments, with some clients beginning services in about 1 month from the referral date.
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Telehealth sessions maximize the opportunities for parents to leard ABA strategies as they guide their child through session, hands on.
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Telehealth can decrease financial burdens of gas, cars, or travel by not having to leave the home to receive services. It is also convenient and can take place anywhere!
Telehealth FAQs
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Telehealth services are another modality of ABA service delivery in which one can receive services online, via a computer, tablet, or phone via video call.
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With parent involvement of varying degrees, ABA teaching strategies can be effectively implemented via telehealth.
Telehealth can lead to increased positive interactions from pre- to post-intervention between the guardian assisting with the treatment and the child , just like face-to-face services.
Caregivers receiving telehealth treatment report high treatment satisfaction, with support from the clinical staff.
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Internet
Device to use for video call
Quiet environment
All caregivers can take turns participating in sessions
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Skill acquisition: The clinical staff first instructs the caregiver to gather any required materials and reinforcers and then requests the caregiver to direct the client to attend to the screen. The clinical staff should additionally note the caregiver's ability to prompt, redirect, and deliver reinforcement.
Behavior Management: The clinical staff guides the caregiver to create a naturalistic routine, during which time the caregiver implements antecedent strategies and prompts replacement behaviors. Care should be taken tp avoid triggering sever problem behavior that cannot be safely managed by the caregiver. The clinical staff provides real-time feedback and guidance to the caregiver as they work to implement the behavior plan.