Can ABA Therapy Be Provided Virtually?

STEPONE  > Can ABA Therapy Be Provided Virtually?

ABA therapy can be provided in many settings, from in-home to clinics, schools, and in the community. However, many families experience challenges in accessing in-person ABA treatment. This may be due to geographic location, lack of transportation, a lack of providers with availability in the area, or medical reasons, among others. As such, over the last several years, ABA professionals and researchers have dedicated an increased focus on developing evidence-based practices for virtual ABA therapy. 

What Is Virtual ABA Therapy?

Virtual ABA therapy is therapy provided in a separate location from the client. The behavior analyst or behavior technician will typically be at their home or office, while the child is at their home or another setting. The team typically uses two-way video and audio communications such as Zoom or Google Meet. The principles of behavior are the same, regardless of the setting.

Virtual ABA Therapy Background

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in many agencies temporarily ceasing operations. To ensure children continued to access medically necessary care, many providers pivoted to providing telehealth therapy until it was deemed safe to return in-person. While telehealth ABA therapy was around several years before 2020, the pandemic certainly resulted in a sudden surge of interest in this mode of care. Many ABA providers realized that virtual therapy may be an option for many families, especially those who are otherwise unable to access consistent and effective care. 

How Effective Is Telehealth ABA?

Numerous articles have been published with a focus on comparing in-home and telehealth therapy to determine telehealth efficacy. In a 2016 article by Lindgren et al, the researchers set out to identify the effects of ABA therapy when provided using 3 service delivery models: in-home, clinic-based telehealth, and home-based telehealth. Each of the service delivery models resulted in a reduction of the targeted behaviors. This demonstrates that telehealth can be equally as effective as an in-person treatment, under similar conditions. In a 2021 systematic review of telehealth-based ABA studies, the majority of the 55 studies reviewed demonstrated equal efficacy between in-person and virtual therapies.  

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What Methods Are Used In Virtual ABA?

Virtual ABA therapy can be provided in multiple different formats. Through a collaborative effort, the supervising BCBA and family will determine the most appropriate format for each family. 

  1. Virtual caregiver training. In caregiver training, a BCBA provides training, support, and recommendations to the parent(s) and caregiver(s). These training sessions may or may not be with the child present, depending on the needs of the caregiver and child.
  2. Direct therapy. In direct therapy, a behavior technician works 1:1 with the child, running “programs”, implementing skill acquisition goals and behavior intervention plans. This is conducted with the supervision of a BCBA, who typically overlaps sessions 10-20% of the total hours. 
  3. Parent-directed instruction. In parent-directed instruction, a therapist supports the parent or caregiver, who is present with the child, through implementation of therapy goals. The parent is essentially trained to act as the therapist. 

Oftentimes a child’s treatment plan includes multiple methods. For example, your child may receive direct therapy for a certain number of hours, in addition to caregiver training. 

Final Thoughts

While the research continues to accumulate and highlight the effectiveness of telehealth as a mode of therapy, it is important to note that it may not be the right option for everyone. Contact us if you want to learn more about virtual ABA therapy.  

Join us online! Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts can conduct ABA therapy, lead social and life skills training, provide caregiver support, and much more!

We’ll help you identify the best mode of therapy for your child, whether virtual, clinic, home, or school-based. Each child’s needs are carefully considered in creating an individualized and effective treatment plan.  

Resources

Lindgren, S., Wacker, D., Suess, A., Schieltz, K., Pelzel, K., Kopelman, T., Lee, J., Romani, P., & Waldron, D. (2016). Telehealth and Autism: Treating Challenging Behavior at Lower Cost. Pediatrics137 Suppl 2(Suppl 2), S167–S175. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-2851O

Ellison, K.S., Guidry, J., Picou, P. et al. Telehealth and Autism Prior to and in the Age of COVID-19: A Systematic and Critical Review of the Last Decade.Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 24, 599–630 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-021-00358-0