The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of telehealth, especially in the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. A recent scoping review titled A scoping review of telehealth diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder provides valuable insights into the reliability, validity, and feasibility of telehealth methods for diagnosing ASD. Here, we break down the key findings and offer practical tips for practitioners looking to enhance their skills or explore further research.
Key Findings from the Review
- Accuracy: Telehealth methods were found to be 80-91% accurate when compared to traditional in-person diagnosis.
- Validity: Sensitivity values ranged from 75% to 100%, while specificity values ranged from 68.75% to 100%.
- Social Validity: Both caregivers and clinicians were mostly satisfied with telehealth methods.
- Feasibility: Telehealth is largely viable, though some challenges such as technology issues and the need for specific adaptations were reported.
Practical Tips for Practitioners
To make the most out of telehealth for ASD diagnosis, consider the following tips:
1. Embrace Flexibility
Telehealth offers the flexibility to review video recordings at your convenience, which can be particularly useful for busy clinicians.
2. Focus on Naturalistic Behaviors
Encourage parents to record their child in natural settings. This can provide a more accurate picture of the child's behaviors compared to a clinical setting.
3. Address Technology Challenges
Basic IT training can go a long way in resolving common technical issues that may arise during telehealth sessions. Ensure that both you and the caregivers are comfortable with the technology used.
4. Adapt Assessment Activities
Some traditional in-person activities may not be feasible via telehealth. Adapt these activities to fit a virtual format, focusing on eliciting social behaviors through parent-led interactions.
5. Continuous Learning
Stay updated with the latest research and best practices in telehealth. Attending webinars, conferences, and reading relevant publications can help you stay ahead.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings are promising, more research is needed to verify the accuracy, validity, and feasibility of telehealth for ASD diagnosis. Studies with larger sample sizes and diverse populations are essential to refine these methods further.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A scoping review of telehealth diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
