The Multi-faceted Implementation of Telepractice to Service Individuals with Autism

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Telehealth
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Services

Background:

• Nationwide shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) limits access to services.
• Telepractice utilizes telecommunication technologies for remote service delivery.
• Telepractice can extend services to underserved populations, including those with autism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine an evidence-based clinical model for telepractice service delivery.
• To describe essential policies and procedures for telepractice programs.
• To provide initial evidence for telepractice effectiveness in autism.

Main Methods:

• Review of an evidence-based clinical model for telepractice.
• Description of policies for needs assessment, confidentiality, technology, training, and documentation.
• Presentation of two clinical case studies of individuals with autism.

Main Results:

• Telepractice proved a practical method for direct and consultative service delivery.
• Students receiving direct telepractice services showed increased skill levels.
• Clinicians receiving consultative telepractice services demonstrated increased skill levels.

Conclusions:

• Telepractice is a viable and effective method for delivering speech-language pathology services.
• The examined model provides a framework for implementing telepractice programs.
• Further research can explore the broader application of telepractice for autism spectrum disorder.