Exploring telehealth during COVID for assessing autism spectrum disorder in a diverse sample

• Published in: Psychology in the schools Vol. 59; no. 7; pp. 1319 - 1334
• Main Authors: Stavropoulos, Katherine K.M., Heyman, Michelle, Salinas, Giselle, Baker, Elizabeth, Blacher, Jan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley 01.07.2022; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Access; Access to Health Care; assessment; Autism; Autistic children; Caregiver Attitudes; Caregivers; Children; Clinical Diagnosis; COVID-19; Early intervention; Evaluation; Evaluation Methods; Medical diagnosis; Pandemics; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Teachers; Teleconferencing; telehealth; Telemedicine; assessment; telehealth; autism
• ISSN: 0033-3085; 1520-6807
• DOI: 10.1002/pits.22672

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. KEY POINTS Validation of telehealth assessments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is important to increase accessibility and timely diagnosis for families. Preliminary data on social validity suggests that caregivers found telehealth procedures to be helpful, convenient, and useful. A majority of caregivers planned to share the clinical report with their teacher or school.