Telehealth and ABA

We are living in unique times thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus which came into our lives in Late 2019. The impact of the pandemic has touched all of us in some way or the other.  Economies have been shattered, job losses, socio-mental issues rising, and treatments/care for those with living with ailments and conditions taking a backseat.

What exactly is telehealth?  It is defined as the use of various digital and communication technologies such as computers, laptops, mobile phones to connect medical professionals & patients in remote locations and homes for managing various health issues, without meeting in person. Telehealth has been in use in Australia for years to manage the health of rural communities in the great outback especially in the western parts of the country. It is now the buzzword the world over due to the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the need for everyone to step out less to avoid catching the virus.

Preparing yourself as a family and the patient (adult or child) takes time and getting used to it. So be patient and take it slow to enable the comfort factor to seep in. It may not be everybody’s ideal cup of therapy tea, but it works in many cases and clients don’t have to without their therapeutic services.

How does Telehealth services work with ABA?

• Increase in the hours of the training provided to parents and caregivers. This is an option when direct therapy with the patient is not able to happen.
• Regular therapy for those patients who can attend, concentrate and communicate without the physical presence of a therapist or physical reinforcement delivery.
• The ABA therapist visits homes and conducts therapy face to face with the BCBA observing the session and providing feedback via a telehealth platform.

Goals of telehealth can include

• Scenario specific response and guidance
• Parents become equipped with ABA tools to manage behaviors and teach new skills
• Sessions are more parent training guided and generalization of skills can occur

How to prepare your homes for telehealth services:

• A good reliable Wi-Fi connection / wired Ethernet connection at home or location session will take place in
• Dedicated space/room for the therapy session
• Clear audio reception on your telehealth device. It could be a combination of loudspeaker and a good quality headset.
• Therapy session materials are accessible if applicable
• Telehealth device flexible if need be in the event that the parent needs to follow the child around. Device should be placed somewhere that the BCBA can see most of the room

In these times of Covid-19, staying home is staying safe. For the elderly, the young, and those with co-morbidities as the risk factor is greater, it is imperative to stay home and avoid minimal contact to risk exposure. To avoid disruption in the ABA or any other therapy process, telehealth services are the best and most readily available solution.