“This Is Going To Be Different, But It’s Not Impossible”: Adapting To Telehealth Occupational Therapy For Autistic Children

Authors

  • Amber M. Angell USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Elinor E. Taylor USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Joana Nana Serwaa Akrofi Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, New York, USA
  • Elaine D. Carreon Nurture Collective, Whittier, California, USA
  • Marshae D. Franklin USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Julie Miller Professional Child Development Associates, Pasadena, California, USA
  • Catherine Crowley USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Shona Orfirer Maher Devoted Educational Solutions, Los Angeles, California, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2024.6608

Keywords:

Autism, Covid-19, Occupational therapy, Pandemic, Telehealth, Telerehabilitation

Abstract

This qualitative study examined participants’ experiences of transitioning to telehealth-delivered pediatric occupational therapy for autistic children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We interviewed three clinic administrators, four occupational therapists, and six parents of autistic children (n=13) from three Los Angeles area clinics over a 7-month period. Our narrative and thematic analyses yielded three overarching themes: Transformative Experiences, Reimagining Therapy, and Going Forward. Overall, we found that the transition to telehealth shifted participants’ preconceptions about themselves, their relationships, and the nature of occupational therapy. Many deepened their relationships; adapted interventions; uncovered surprising capabilities; and challenged the occupational therapy status quo to advocate for ongoing virtual delivery. Our findings bear relevance to the body of current literature debating the post-pandemic viability of telehealth-delivered occupational therapy.

  

References

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Published

2024-06-28

How to Cite

Angell, A., Taylor, E., Akrofi, J. N. S., Carreon, E. D., Franklin, M., Miller, J., Crowley, C., & Maher, S. (2024). “This Is Going To Be Different, But It’s Not Impossible”: Adapting To Telehealth Occupational Therapy For Autistic Children. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2024.6608

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Occupational Therapy Telehealth

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Amber M. Angell, Elinor E. Taylor, Joana Nana Serwaa Akrofi, Elaine D. Carreon, Marshae D. Franklin, Julie Miller, Catherine Crowley, Shona Orfirer Maher

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