Augmentative
Alternative
Communication (AAC)
AAC tools and devices aim to facilitate, supplement, or replace verbal speech.
Picture exchange systems, communication boards, choice cards, and speech generating devices are all examples of AAC options.
AAC isn't just for people who have motor impairments which limit their verbal speech. AAC can also be used for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, or Cognitive Disabilities.
Teletherapy
Teletherapy provides patients with increased services where they live, work, or learn, increasing convenience. Teletherapy allows patients to be in different locations and be treated by a therapist with the right treatment, at the right time. Sessions can be recorded for home practice allowing more parental involvement and support.
Our ability to provide long-distance care extends to the following services:
Speech Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Teletherapy Requirements:
Access to a computer with microphone and camera
Good internet connectivity
"Looks forward to teletherapy so much when it’s time and as parents being able to interact shows me new tips and tricks to use at home."
"The telehealth sessions offered during this pandemic have allowed us to continue therapy at home to keep us on track to meeting our goals!"
The Research
Children and Youth
Occupational therapy practitioners are using telehealth technologies to provide services for children participating in early intervention services (Cason, 2009; Cason, Behl, & Ringwalt, 2012; Gibbs & Toth-Cohen, 2011; Heimerl & Rasch, 2009; Kelso, Fiechtl, Olsen, & Rule, 2009). Benefits include increased access to occupational therapy services for children who live in remote areas, the prevention of unnecessary delays in receiving services, and coordinated care among team members in different locations (Cason, 2009, 2011; Gibbs & Toth-Cohen, 2011; Heimerl & Rasch, 2009).
Private Practice
A key benefit of this delivery model (telehealth) is the empowerment of parents and other caregivers to implement therapeutic strategies with the children for carryover outside of the occupational therapy session. “Telehealth is not a second-best approach; rather, [it is] another method of service provision,” Myers says. “Telehealth offers a clinically advantageous means of engaging clients and caregivers in the therapeutic process within their own environment. The use of telehealth itself is a clinical decision—the therapist must consider whether the demands of the task (use of technology, virtual communication with the therapist, etc.) are appropriate for the client and caregiver.”
Autism
The 284 participants with ASD across the 14 included studies ranged in age from 19 months to adulthood. The quality of the studies varied. A range of services were provided via telehealth, including diagnostic assessments, early intervention and language therapy. Results suggested that services delivered via telehealth were equivalent to services delivered face to face, and superior to comparison groups without telehealth sessions.
Kathryn Crowe, Sarah Masso, Suzanne Hopf. (2018) Innovations actively shaping speech-language pathology evidence-based practice. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology 20:3, pages 297-
299.
Parents
Telepractice and Autism: