Telehealth. ABA from a distance.
Telehealth is rapidly growing in the field of behavioral therapy, especially during these unprecedented times. Through the use of technology, Telehealth offers a valuable alternative to in-person services and closes the gap between those in need and the experts who are available to help. Telehealth is as simple as using a tablet, smart phone, or computer to connect face-to-face with your ABA providers, similar to how you may chat with family or friends who may live out-of-town.
Telehealth is especially useful during the COVID-19 crisis because it helps maintain continuity of care for your child – which is essential to the success of your child’s ABA-based behavioral therapy program – while maximizing social and physical distancing in your home. And, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, most funding sources have approved Telehealth as an option for behavioral therapy.
What services can be provided using Telehealth?
Services previously available in-person can now be offered via Telehealth including Functional Behavioral Assessments, Supervision of ABA-Based Behavioral Therapy, Parent Training, Parent Coaching, and Direct ABA-Based Behavioral Therapy.
Who should use Telehealth?
At CDM, decisions regarding direct versus Telehealth therapy are made on a case-by-case basis, and with ongoing, thorough and careful risk assessments, in conjunction with relevant local, state and federal policies and laws.
Is my privacy protected?
We have experience providing telehealth-based behavioral therapy – and the protocols, procedures and technology that are proven effective and that maintain confidentiality and privacy are in place. Ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of our clients is always a priority.
How does Telehealth work?
Services are provided through a safe and secure platform allowing the Behavior therapist or Supervisor to provide treatment services in a live, two-way interaction in real time. While providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) services via Telehealth, the treatment team will be able to provide immediate feedback and modify treatment protocols as necessary, just as they would if providing services in your home. This application is available for Windows, iOS, and Android, and can be downloaded from their respective app stores. To participate in a session, the client family will need to grant access to the computer, tablet, or phone’s camera and microphone.
Will my child be engaged using Telehealth?
While Telehealth can be a challenge for some clients, our clinical team works closely with each family to determine the most appropriate way to provide behavioral therapy for your child. Just because session occurs electronically, doesn’t mean some fun can’t be had. CDM is known not only for our strong behavioral program but also for our ability to bring fun, creativity, and natural engagement to each session. Our Clinical Team has worked hard to help our staff adapt to providing sessions via Telehealth so that our clients continue to receive engaging, interactive sessions.
Now that we are engaging with our clients through telehealth, we
need to find creative ways to target goals while keeping the kiddos
focused as well as visually and physically stimulated at the computer. It
has been challenging, but finding their reinforcement preferences is
ideal, changing up the types of mediums used, taking turns on choosing
activities and keeping the workloads short has been helpful. I
personally have enjoyed the silly component such as adding costumes
and crazy theme days.
Kacy B. Behavior Therapist
Amidst the ever-changing world around us, Telehealth has allowed CDM to provide continuity of quality ABA care to our patients and families. Now more than ever, our core value of “helping parents help their kids” is paramount to a child’s growth and development. The level of dedication we have observed from both parents and the CDM team are a testament to the efficacy and future of ABA services via Telehealth.
Ashlee M. Regional Director
One of the agency’s best interventionists debuts a fun and creative musical reinforcer for his young client who is working on making good choices and being a good listener.
Telehealth has given me the opportunity to observe the hard work of our CDM team. They help me to both appreciate the advancements as well as observe the specific challenges my kids have….plus I receive lots of fabulous tips on how to help my kids during this time. Thank you so much!
Sue P. Parent