Spartan Caregiver Support (SCS) was a program developed by Michigan State University to offer free, on-demand telehealth services to caregivers of children with autism during the state's stay-at-home order. The program aimed to address the behavioral and social needs of children with autism through video-conference technology.
Key Findings from the Study
The study identified three main areas where caregivers needed support:
- Decreasing Inappropriate Behavior: Most caregivers reported issues with aggression, self-injury, and inappropriate language.
- Acquiring New Skills: Caregivers needed help teaching social/play skills, daily living activities, and academic behaviors.
- Maintaining Current Levels of Performance: Many caregivers struggled to maintain routines and existing skills during the stay-at-home order.
How Online Therapy Can Help
Based on the study's findings, here are some ways practitioners can improve their skills and provide better support through online therapy:
- Behavioral Interventions: Use video-conference technology to guide caregivers on how to manage challenging behaviors like tantrums and meltdowns.
- Skill Acquisition: Offer training sessions to teach caregivers how to implement daily routines and social skills activities.
- Resource Sharing: Provide curated resources such as visual schedules and behavioral intervention guides to help caregivers implement strategies at home.
Encouraging Further Research
The study underscores the importance of continuing research in the field of telehealth and online therapy for caregivers of children with autism. Future research should focus on:
- Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of telehealth interventions.
- Exploring the impact of caregiver training on child outcomes.
- Developing standardized protocols for remote behavioral interventions.
By adopting these practices, practitioners can offer more effective support to caregivers and improve the quality of life for children with autism.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Spartan Caregiver Support: Program Description and Key Findings During Michigan’s Stay-At-Home Order.
