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Practitioner Insights: Enhancing Teletherapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Practitioner Insights: Enhancing Teletherapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption of teletherapy for children on the autism spectrum. According to the research article "Practitioner and Service User Perspectives on the Rapid Shift to Teletherapy for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum as a Result of COVID-19," this rapid shift has presented both challenges and opportunities for practitioners and service users alike. This blog aims to help practitioners improve their teletherapy skills by implementing the research outcomes and encouraging further exploration in this area.

Key Findings and Practical Applications

1. Technology: Love It or Hate It

The study found a strong positive correlation between technical quality and satisfaction with the level of support provided (r = 0.64, n = 772, p < 0.000). Despite above-average ratings for technical quality, both service users and practitioners reported significant technical difficulties, such as poor internet connections and software issues.

2. Teletherapy as a New Normal

Many families expressed a preference for continuing teletherapy even post-pandemic, citing benefits such as reduced travel and increased comfort for anxious children.

3. Short Term Pain, for Long Term Gain

While teletherapy reduced travel time, it also increased planning and preparation time for practitioners. This additional time was mostly unbillable under the NDIS service agreements.

4. The Shape of Service Delivery Has Changed

Teletherapy has increased parent involvement and shifted the focus to a capacity-building coaching approach. However, engaging young children through a screen remains challenging.

5. Is Teletherapy Always an Option?

Barriers such as language differences, lack of technology, and family complexities were identified. Teletherapy was also less effective for goals requiring physical presence, such as fine motor skills and social skills groups.

Conclusion

The rapid shift to teletherapy has brought both challenges and opportunities. While teletherapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it has proven to be a valuable tool for many families and practitioners. Ongoing research and training are essential to refine this model and ensure its efficacy in various contexts.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Practitioner and Service User Perspectives on the Rapid Shift to Teletherapy for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum as a Result of COVID-19.


Citation: Johnsson, G., & Bulkeley, K. (2021). Practitioner and Service User Perspectives on the Rapid Shift to Teletherapy for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum as a Result of COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), 11812. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211812
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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