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

Authors

  • Michelle Boisvert University of Massachusetts - Amherst
  • Nerissa Hall University of Massachusetts - Amherst
  • Mary Andrianopoulos University of Massachusetts - Amherst
  • Jeanne Chaclas University of Massachusetts - Amherst

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2012.6104

Abstract

Telepractice is a method of service delivery in which professionals provide intervention, assessment and consultation services to individuals through the use of telecommunication technologies.  In response to the nationwide school-based shortage of speech-language pathologists, telepractice has emerged as a viable way to reach underserved clients. Telepractice has the potential to extend to populations in need of services, including those diagnosed with autism.  This paper examines an evidence-based clinical model for the delivery of telepractice services and describes the policies and procedures required for assessing individual need, confidentiality, technology, training and documentation within a telepractice program.  Two clinical case studies involving individuals diagnosed with autism are described and provide initial evidence for the use of telepractice as a practical method for direct and consultative service delivery. Results indicated that both the student receiving direct services, and the treating clinician receiving consultative services via telepractice, demonstrated an increased skill level in target domains.

  

Author Biographies

Michelle Boisvert, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Michelle Boisvert, PhD. CCC-SLP is a graduate from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.  Her research addresses the effective use of telepractice to serve individuals with autism and other communication disorders using an evidence-based practice model.  She has presented her research nationally and conducted numerous workshops and seminars regarding technical, reliability and validity issues regarding the telepractice as a service delivery model.  She has published her research and has consulted on the development of several software programs.

Nerissa Hall, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Nerissa Hall is a Doctoral Fellow at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She has presented nationally regarding pre-professional and professional training in AAC. She is a practicing clinician in Massachusetts and Connecticut and provides specialized and evidence-based services, specifically in the area of AAC.       

Mary Andrianopoulos, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Mary Andrianopoulos is an associate professor of Communication Disorders at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Her research focuses on diagnosis and treatment of neurologically-based motor speech disorders and voice disorders. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters and is a former Fulbright Scholar in Medical Sciences.

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Published

2012-12-14

How to Cite

Boisvert, M., Hall, N., Andrianopoulos, M., & Chaclas, J. (2012). The Multi-faceted Implementation of Telepractice to Service Individuals with Autism. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2012.6104

Issue

Vol. 4, No. 2, Fall 2012

Section

Clinical Report

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