Does Online Speech Teletherapy Work

April 30, 2020

young black dad and his son looking at a computer together happy

Teletherapy, also called tele-practice or tele-speech, has become more popular during the uncertain circumstances and stay at home orders of COVID-19. Teletherapy can bring a sense of familiarity in uncertain times, as your child can have a weekly live speech therapy visit with a consistent speech language pathologist (SLP). A relationship is built, and the therapist and child share smiles and laughter in between working on their goals. With teletherapy, children can continue to receive continuity of care even as they stay safe at home! But does this foreign method of attending speech therapy really work?

Research is largely in agreement: Teletherapy is a very effective way of teaching kids speech and language!

With teletherapy, speech therapy is provided via a video chat platform that is secure. MetroEHS’s online platform includes fun games, a box for clients to watch applicable videos and talk through worksheets or read stories, screen share, practice cards, and, of course, a live-streaming video SLP guiding them through all of it. All of these features engage most children, including those on the Autism Spectrum. This 1:1 teletherapy has been proven effective: according to a review of 7 studies of school-aged children, “telehealth is a promising method for treating children” (1). Another study looking specifically at children with ASD stated, “All [14] studies reported high levels of programme acceptability and parent satisfaction with the telehealth component of the intervention” (2). And another states, “Emerging research in telepractice treatment for ASD clients already shows success in both direct and indirect interactions” (3).

If a child is too young or difficult to engage, the SLP may opt for a parent training approach. The parent will receive a list of supplies to gather from around the house, and the SLP will teach the parent how to target the child’s goals. The parent is encouraged to ask questions, and the SLP coaches as the parent engages their child and completes their goals. This has also been proven effective for children learning language! Evidence suggests, “that parent-mediated intervention training delivered remotely can improve parents’ knowledge in [autism spectrum disorder] ASD, parent intervention fidelity, and subsequently improve the social behavior and communication skills of their children with ASD (4).

Feeding Therapy can be provided with a similar model. The SLP guides the caregiver during the session, and talks through strategies and techniques for children accepting the food, chewing, and swallowing. Providing feeding therapy online can be beneficial because the SLP can see where the child typically sits, the types of eating utensils that are used, and overall family dynamic- all of which play a major role in carryover of skills to the home environment. What better way to support generalization to home, than having therapy in the home! Feeding Teletherapy, too, is an excellent and effective substitute to in-person therapy, according to research (5)!

As you can see, teletherapy is a powerful alternative to in-person therapy, especially during situations when receiving in-person therapy is difficult or impossible for families. If you would like more information about teletherapy, to enroll your child, or a free “Teletherapy Tour” to see our platform, please contact MetroEHS today!

Resources

2017. Wales, D., Skinner, L., et al. The Efficacy of Telehealth-Delivered Speech and Language Intervention for Primary School-Age Children: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 9(1), 55-70.
2018. Sutherland, R., Trembath, D., et al. Telehealth and Autism: A Systematic Search and Review of the Literature. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 324-336.
2015, April 28. Cornish, Nate. Social Mediating: Using Telepractice for Clients With Autism. ASHAwire.
2017. Parsons, D., Cordier, R., et al. Parent-Mediated Intervention Training Delivered Remotely for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Living Outside of Urban Areas: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(8), e198.
2008. Clawson, Seldon, Lacks, Deaton, Hall, Bach. Complex pediatric feeding disorders: using teleconferencing technology to improve access to a treatment program. Pediatric Nursing, 34(3): 213-6.

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July 18, 2024

Why Do Some Children With Autism Toe Walk—and What Can Parents Do?

Are you concerned about your child’s toe walking habits? Toe walking, a common concern for parents, can sometimes be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the connection between toe walking and autism is crucial for early intervention and support.

What is Toe Walking?

Toe walking refers to a walking pattern where a person walks on their toes or the balls of their feet without their heels touching the ground. While occasional toe walking in toddlers is common, persistent toe walking beyond the age of two may indicate an underlying issue.

The Connection with Autism

Toe walking is often observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While not all toe walkers have autism, studies suggest that many children with ASD exhibit toe walking behavior. Children with Autism often have higher sensory seeking behaviors, and being up on their toes gives them deep sensory input through their feet and in their contracted calf muscles. This connection can lead to more targeted interventions and support from therapists and parents.

How Can a MetroEHS Physical Therapist Help?

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in addressing toe walking in children, especially those with autism. A skilled physical therapist can:

‍Assess the Underlying Causes: A physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify any underlying factors contributing to toe walking, such as muscle tightness, sensory issues, muscle weakness, or lack of range of motion.‍
Develop Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, the physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This plan may include stretching exercises, strengthening activities, balance training, or different sensory inputs.‍
Educate and Empower Families: MetroEHS Physical Therapists work closely with families to educate them about toe walking and provide strategies for home exercises and activities to support their child’s progress.

Toe-walking can impact your child long-term if left untreated:

Toe walking will impact your child’s overall body positioning, posture, and muscles. With toe walking, because of these impacts, it will also change the load of the body’s joints and likely cause chronic pain as the individual ages. It is common for toe walkers to lose range of motion in their ankles, preventing them from being able to reach their heels to the ground and causing their Achilles tendon to shorten. In more severe cases, if the Achilles tendon shortens too much, the only way to regain that length is with a surgical lengthening.

Take the First Step Towards Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s toe walking or suspect they may have autism, early intervention is key. Schedule an evaluation with a qualified physical therapist who specializes in pediatric care. Together, we can help your child take confident steps towards improved mobility and independence.

October 31, 2023

Fostering Gratitude in the Family

Gratitude is a valuable life skill that can enrich the lives of all individuals, including children on the autism spectrum. Teaching children with autism about gratitude can help them develop a more positive outlook, build stronger relationships, and improve their overall well-being. However, because children on the autism spectrum often have unique learning needs, it’s important to use tailored strategies to teach them about gratitude. Here are a few ideas.

1. Visual Supports

Visual supports are powerful tools for children with autism, as they process information in a more concrete manner. Create visual schedules or charts that incorporate gratitude activities into their daily routines. For example, you can design a “gratitude journal” with pictures or symbols representing things they are thankful for. During the month of November, you could draw a tree on a large piece of paper and add a leaf of gratitude every day with a drawn picture of what you are thankful or writing down simply one word. This can be a simple way to encourage them to reflect on positive aspects of their lives. As they add items to their gratitude journal, reinforce the positive feelings associated with each entry.

2. Social Stories

Social stories are narratives that describe social situations and appropriate behavior. You can create social stories that revolve around gratitude. Tailor the stories to your child’s interests and communication style. For instance, you might develop a story about a character who learns to express gratitude when someone helps them. Reading and discussing these stories with your child can help them understand the concept of gratitude and its importance.

3. Visual Modeling

Children on the autism spectrum often benefit from visual modeling, where they observe someone demonstrating a behavior or skill. Create visual examples of gratitude by using pictures, drawings, or videos. Show them how to say “thank you” or how to express gratitude through simple gestures. Repeated exposure to these visuals can help them imitate and internalize these actions. Make sure you are expressing your appreciation with the people around you while your child is watching.

4. Use Concrete Reinforcers

For many children with autism, immediate reinforcement is key to learning new behaviors. Use concrete reinforcers to motivate your child to practice gratitude. This could be as simple as providing a favorite treat or activity when they express gratitude, whether by saying thank you or engaging in a small act of kindness. The more they associate gratitude with positive outcomes, the more likely they are to embrace it.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection

Gratitude often goes hand in hand with mindfulness and reflection. Teach your child techniques for being present in the moment and focusing on positive aspects of their lives. Simple activities like mindful breathing, meditation, or keeping a gratitude jar can help them develop an appreciation for what they have. Encourage them to reflect at bedtime about their day and share what they are thankful for, fostering a sense of gratitude as part of their daily routine.

Teaching children about gratitude is not only possible but also incredibly beneficial. Gratitude helps improve their emotional well-being, enhance their social interactions, and promote a more positive outlook on life. The key is to tailor your approach to their specific learning needs, using visual supports, social stories, visual modeling, concrete reinforcers, and mindfulness and reflection techniques. Remember that patience and consistency are crucial in helping children with autism develop this valuable life skill. By embracing these strategies, you can help them grow into more thankful, empathetic, and content individuals.

June 23, 2023

Registered Behavior Technician FAQs

Q: What is the RBT certification?

A: RBT certification is a paraprofessional certificate that is in the behavioral analyst field, and you work under the BCBA or BCABA treating and providing services to our kids.

Q: What are the requirements?

A: What it takes to become an RBT here at MetroEHS is you must be 18 years old, a high school diploma, you need the 40 hours of training, and then take a competency test with the supervisor, and then you apply at the BACB website, and take a test, and become an RBT.

Q: What does the training consist of?

A: The RBT training consists of like an interactive and comprehensive 40-hour training that you work in a small group or one on one with other technicians or your BCBA. You’re out in the clinic, hanging out with the kids, learning and watching how they run programs. That could be at the table time or out in natural environment and once you understand the new words in the ABA field, you take your competency test and take the test at the website.

Q: What is the competency test?

A: The competency test is when the supervisor comes out the clinic with you and they watch how you run programs, they interview you, ask questions about the terminology and it’s pretty much just one on one time or you and the supervisor and your client to make sure you understand the terminology and what you’re actually doing and it’s highly encouraged to actually take your RBT test within 90 days of your 40 hour training. It is free of charge. You take the test at the BACB website.

Apply now!

Q: How do I maintain my credentials?

A: To maintain my credentials as an RBT here at MetroEHS, I track all my supervision hours, and I retake my competency test at the year mark or year anniversary of my RBT testing date.

Q: What are the benefits if earning an RBT certification?

A: MetroEHS offers two benefits for becoming an RBT. One is a raise and two, once you become an RBT, you have more opportunities to move up the ladder and become admin or fun stuff.

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