1. What Exactly is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a term for providing health care via a remote means like videoconferencing. There are often other terms used such as telemedicine, virtual health care, remote health care. There are subtle differences between these terms but the most commonly used term is telehealth. While the term telehealth is much broader and can involve things beyond videoconferencing, for ABA and ACES purposes, telehealth simply means providing the exact same service typically provided in person provided via an electronic real time video method.

2. What Will Telehealth Look like with My ACES Staff?

Your case supervisor will do the exact same things they typically did in person with the exception that they will be “meeting” with you via live video.* If they are providing a parent training, you can expect them to check in with you to see how things are going, check in on the progress of the current parent goals in your child’s treatment plan, and see if there are any new or pressing concerns they can assist with. They may take data during the visit or ask you to. They will provide you with recommendations, guidance, or homework before scheduling the next session. * If they are providing supervision of a BI who is working in your home with your child, they will check in with the BI to see if they have questions, observe the BI with the client, review the databook, give direction/feedback to the BI, make modifications to the treatment plan, collect data, and document their session. We welcome you to be part of the session and ask questions of the supervisor anytime.

3. Why Would Telehealth Be Beneficial?

There is extensive research showing the benefits of telehealth across all types of medical services. There is also tons of research specifically showing the effectiveness of doing ABA via telehealth. At a time when many staff and clients are facing limitations to be able to provide direct services, telehealth provides an option to reduce or remove face-to-face contact while continuing with ABA. We are very excited that the government and payors have acted so quickly to make a known effective means of services available so quickly for families. We are very fortunate that approval has come so quickly and we can continue services in this manner.

4. Should I Have Any Concerns about My ABA Being Provided by Telehealth?

No. The approval of the government and many payors to allow for telehealth is because it is known to be effective. Your supervisor will conduct a risk assessment before conducting any telehealth and will not recommend it if it is deemed it could be harmful. ACES holds the highest standard to ensure we only provide services that are beneficial to your child. If at any point you and/or your supervisor determine telehealth is not effective, it will not continue.