Here are some key takeaways from the research:
- Telemedicine: The use of telemedicine has skyrocketed during the pandemic, proving to be a viable alternative for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Tools like TELE-ASD-PEDS (TAP) have shown high diagnostic utility, making it possible to diagnose ASD based on amateur videos recorded by parents.
- Parental Involvement: Increased parental involvement has been essential. Remote consultations and online training for parents have helped maintain the continuity of therapeutic interventions, reducing the mental health risks for both children and their caregivers.
- Online Therapy: Various forms of online therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and even remote judo lessons, have been successfully implemented. These activities help maintain routines and provide much-needed physical and mental engagement.
- Innovative Tools: New tools like the Web Italian Network for Autism Spectrum Disorder (WIN4ASD) have been developed to facilitate online screening and diagnostic processes. These tools offer immediate individual patient outputs, significantly speeding up the diagnosis and treatment process.
Implementing these strategies can significantly improve the quality of life for children with ASD and their families during unpredictable times like a pandemic. However, it's crucial to continue researching and refining these methods to ensure their effectiveness and adaptability in various situations.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: How to Make the Unpredictable Foreseeable? Effective Forms of Assistance for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the COVID-19 Pandemic
