ABA Therapy and Telemedicine

Applied Behavior Analysis therapy has been used to help children and adults with autism since the 1960s. Though some components of ABA therapy have changed over the years, the approach remains one of the most reliable ways to increase positive behaviors and decrease negative behaviors in individuals on the spectrum. One recent way we observe the changing landscape of this therapy is the incorporation of telemedicine.

Telemedicine, or the practice of conducting therapy sessions virtually, brings therapy to the patient instead of having to get the patient to therapy. Internet access and a webcam is usually all that is needed to interact virtually. In this day and age, many are becoming more and more adept and comfortable with using technology in this way. But how can it be used to improve ABA therapy? The benefits are many.

1. Telemedicine opens up more therapy options for patients everywhere, especially those in rural communities. Sessions can be conducted by a therapist hundreds or even thousands of miles away, and yet the methods remain the same as in-person ABA therapy. In the past, if a licensed ABA therapist didn’t work within a certain radius of where you live, you’d just be out of luck.

1. Telemedicine has the potential to reduce costs for providers and patients alike. When the therapist doesn’t have to keep an office open to the public or travel to patients, this keeps costs down and everyone benefits.

1. Without having to factor in travel time, therapists can also see more patients each day using telemedicine.

1. Telemedicine provides more opportunities for experts in the field of ABA to provide training to others and further the reach of ABA therapy even more.

Several recent research studies suggest that telemedicine is a suitable alternative to in-person therapy that carries the same benefits for which ABA therapy has been known for decades. Additional studies may attempt to determine if it is best to do all sessions in-person or virtually or if a combination of the two could be most effective. 

Positive Reinforcement not only offers ABA therapy through telehealth we also offer in home ABA therapy  for North Virginia, West Virginia including cities like Ashburn, Leesburg, Winchester, Richmond, Centerville.