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Exploring telehealth during COVID for assessing autism spectrum disorder in a diverse sample
Author(s) -
Stavropoulos Katherine K.M.,
Heyman Michelle,
Salinas Giselle,
Baker Elizabeth,
Blacher Jan
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
psychology in the schools
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1520-6807
pISSN - 0033-3085
DOI - 10.1002/pits.22672
Subject(s) - telehealth , autism , autism spectrum disorder , psychology , observational study , intervention (counseling) , covid-19 , telemedicine , applied behavior analysis , sample (material) , pandemic , clinical psychology , medical diagnosis , psychiatry , medicine , disease , health care , chemistry , pathology , chromatography , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics , economic growth
Abstract Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the importance of telehealth has rapidly increased, in particular as many in‐person clinics have closed. Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As such, the need for timely assessments and diagnoses remains despite COVID‐19‐related closures. This study offers preliminary data collected from 23 children assessed through a no‐cost autism clinic in Southern California using a novel telehealth model. This includes an overview of an adapted, telehealth version of in‐person observational assessment techniques for diagnosing autism. In addition, preliminary data on social validity assessed at two points are presented. Findings suggest that caregivers found the telehealth assessment procedures acceptable and convenient, and overall were satisfied with both the assessment and the written report/verbal feedback. Implications for future uses of telehealth are discussed, including how telehealth can assist with decision‐making around school‐based services and/or placement.