During the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of our daily lives have transitioned to virtual platforms. Students are attending classes online, working professionals are completing virtual projects, and healthcare providers are meeting patients through telehealth services. For children in treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their sessions might also have started to take place online. Telehealth for autism treatment can provide several unique benefits to children with ASD and their families.
Ascend Autism provides telehealth services so that children with ASD and their parents can continue treatment no matter where they are located. In addition, telehealth services are a great option for families who may not be comfortable allowing any healthcare providers into their home. During the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, telehealth treatment will help more children access care, help more families feel supported, and improve outcomes for children with ASD. Contact Ascend Autism today at 877.323.8668 to learn more about our telehealth services.
How Telehealth Treatment Works
Telehealth treatment involves the use of technology to connect patients and healthcare providers. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow individuals to connect through video, while online chats might be used for brief discussions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as people are encouraged to socially distance from one another, telehealth has proven to be an effective way of connecting people with their doctors and therapists.
Telehealth treatment for autism has also become popular this year, both for parents and for their children. Children with ASD can attend virtual sessions with their therapist, and parents can receive support and training from their own homes.
Benefits of Distance Treatment
Why choose telehealth treatment for autism therapy? A remote learning or distance treatment option offers a number of unique benefits. Some of the most important benefits of telehealth autism treatment include:
- Increased accessibility
- Increased scheduling flexibility
- Improved support for parents and caregivers
- More comfortable environment for children
For families who live far away from urban centers, telehealth options are invaluable. Through remote treatment, children with ASD can continue their treatment even if therapists are not available in their area or they are traveling. In addition, consistency is incredibly important when it comes to ASD treatment. Reinforcing what children learn during treatment can help make certain behaviors stick and ensure positive outcomes.
Flexibility in scheduling is also a benefit of telehealth autism treatment. Families with multiple children or whose parents both have demanding jobs might find it difficult to attend sessions with an in-person behavior therapist. However, virtual treatment can more easily fit the family’s schedule.
Parents and caregivers also might find it easier to attend meetings, support groups, and parental education classes through telehealth. Reinforcing behaviors at home can help children with ASD succeed, and telehealth options for parents can help the entire family stay involved.
Finally, telehealth treatment can help children with ASD feel more comfortable, especially as they are starting treatment. For many children on the autism spectrum, new situations and environments can be challenging. As they begin treatment, being in a familiar, comfortable environment can make this transition easier. This can improve long-term outcomes.
Contact Ascend Autism to learn more about telehealth treatment.
Telehealth Treatment from Ascend Autism
Ascend Autism offers telehealth treatment options for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. In addition, Ascend Autism offers a range of autism treatment programs, which include:
Our mission is to provide effective, evidence-based practices to support children with ASD and their families. In our locations throughout New England and New York, you’ll find experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and behavior therapists who will work with your child to reinforce positive behaviors, improve their social skills, and help them become independent adults.
Contact Ascend Autism today at 877.323.8668 to learn more about our telehealth and distance treatment options.
