The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the landscape of healthcare, pushing many practitioners to explore remote solutions. One of the most pressing concerns in the field of special education has been the diagnosis and intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A recent study, "Phase 2 and Later of COVID-19 Lockdown: Is it Possible to Perform Remote Diagnosis and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder? An Online-Mediated Approach," provides valuable insights into how telemedicine can be effectively utilized in this context.
Why Telemedicine?
Traditional ASD diagnosis and intervention methods often require close physical interaction, which is not feasible during a pandemic. Telemedicine offers a promising alternative, allowing practitioners to continue providing essential services while minimizing the risk of contagion. The study highlights two telemedicine working models: one for diagnosis and another for intervention, both of which have shown promising results.
Remote Diagnosis Model
The diagnosis model is divided into two phases:
- Pre-Specialistic Consultation (PSC): Families are first required to complete a series of questionnaires and checklists. They are then guided on how to create short videos of their child's behavior in various settings, such as playing alone, playing with a sibling, and during mealtime.
- Specialistic Assessment (SA): This phase involves a detailed analysis of the videos and questionnaires by a team of specialists. Remote sessions are also conducted to interact with the child and the parents, allowing for a comprehensive preliminary diagnosis.
Remote Intervention Model
The intervention model includes:
- Preschoolers: Two 30-minute sessions per week focused on parent-mediated interventions guided by a therapist. An additional 60-minute session is held weekly to discuss the child's progress with the parents.
- School-aged Children: Two 30-minute online speech and communication therapy sessions per week, with a 60-minute session every two weeks for parent consultation.
- High-functioning Children: Weekly 30-minute psychoeducational interventions and psychotherapy sessions, with additional bi-weekly parent consultations.
Benefits of Telemedicine
Telemedicine has been well-received by parents and has shown to increase their sense of competence. It also improves the socio-communicative skills of children with ASD. Moreover, it allows for the observation of natural behaviors in a home setting, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the child's condition.
Challenges and Future Directions
While telemedicine should not completely replace in-person assessments, it offers a valuable alternative during times of crisis. The study suggests that telemedicine can play a crucial role in speeding up the diagnosis process, thereby reducing long waiting lists and enabling early intervention.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Phase 2 and Later of COVID-19 Lockdown: Is it Possible to Perform Remote Diagnosis and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder? An Online-Mediated Approach.
