Challenges and Facilitators to Telehealth Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children During COVID-19.

This study looked at how occupational therapy moved online during COVID-19 for autistic children. Researchers talked to therapists, clinic managers, and parents to understand what worked well and what was difficult about online therapy sessions. They found both good and challenging aspects of doing therapy online, and learned about strategies that helped make it work better.

This qualitative study examined the transition to telehealth occupational therapy for autistic children during COVID-19. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 participants including administrators, occupational therapists, and parents across three Los Angeles clinics over seven months. The study identified four key themes: challenges and facilitators to conducting telehealth OT, and negative and positive outcomes. The research provides insights into practical strategies for successful telehealth implementation and highlights ways to improve and sustain telehealth OT services for autistic children in the future.

Findings can inform occupational therapy clinics developing or improving telehealth services for autistic children. The identified facilitators and practical strategies may help overcome common implementation barriers. However, clinicians should consider individual client needs when determining telehealth appropriateness.

Small sample size of 13 participants from only three clinics in one geographic area limits generalizability. Qualitative design cannot establish effectiveness compared to in-person services. Study conducted during unique pandemic circumstances may not reflect typical telehealth implementation conditions.

Pre-pandemic, telehealth occupational therapy (OT) for autistic children appeared promising, but research was limited. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to investigate how clinics transitioned to telehealth. The purpose of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators that influenced delivery of OT services through telehealth for autistic children during the pandemic. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 13 participants (three administrators, six OTs, and four parents of autistic children) at three Los Angeles area clinics over a 7-month period.

We used narrative and thematic analysis to identify four themes. We identified (a) Challenges and (b) Facilitators to Conducting Telehealth OT, including practical strategies for successful facilitation, and (c) Negative and (d) Positive Outcomes of Conducting Telehealth OT. As telehealth will likely remain a viable means of OT service delivery in the future, our findings provide insight into ways that it can be improved and sustained.