Finding a therapeutic strategy that works for you, your child or your loved one is important to managing any challenges associated with ASD (autism spectrum disorder). ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy is a strategy that aims to reduce challenging or concerning behaviors and encourage adaptive behaviors or techniques. A family living in Orange County will likely want to attend sessions at an ABA therapy center in Orange County, so that it can be conveniently implemented into daily routine. However, because life can get busy and changes (such as relocation) occur, it may become more desirable for a family to seek online ABA therapy from Orange County or a new location. For anyone needing to transition from in-person to online therapy or to choose between the two, it can be a concern that online therapy does not provide the same standard or quality of therapy as in-person sessions. This article will discuss the benefits and challenges of online ABA therapy.
Benefits of online ABA therapy
Convenience and accessibility: Choosing online therapy means the time to travel to your ABA therapy center in Orange County (or local to you) is eliminated. It also means that if you or your preferred behavior technician are traveling or relocating, you can still work together. This kind of consistency is important in ABA therapy. Orange County-based families with busy schedules might find the convenience of online therapy to work best for their lifestyle and be compatible with other commitments. Additionally, the person attending therapy for autism may experience difficulties or challenges associated with attending the therapy itself, perhaps due to sensitivities related to transport or the clinical environment. Being able to attend therapy sessions in a safe and familiar environment can eliminate these kinds of stressors.
Communication preferences: In people with ASD, dislike of or discomfort in face-to-face interactions can be a source of distress. For people who have this experience, online ABA therapy might be the only form of therapy they are comfortable with.
Potential for group interactions/ therapy: given the removal of location rigidity and the potential stress associated with social interactions (especially in a group setting), those seeking therapy can comfortably (or more comfortably) participate in group sessions if their behavior technician recommends.
Potential for ‘invisible’ third-party involvement: Especially in the case of children, it might be necessary (or helpful for a specific strategy) to have a parent or additional behavior technician observing therapy sessions. With online therapy, this can be done without causing anxiety or stress for the child, which could be the case for many people if additional persons are present for a therapy session. Having a parent able to observe their child’s therapy session could be incredibly helpful for ensuring consistency and understanding between all parties. Parents can get a good idea of how to approach certain challenging scenarios or how to implement ABA techniques at home effectively.
Challenges of online ABA therapy
Inefficient support: Just as some patients might feel more comfortable attending therapy sessions from their own homes, others might not feel adequately connected or engaged in their online sessions. These factors are ultimately dictated by personal preference and need to be considered in individual cases.
Technological barriers: If online therapy is the only option for someone due to proximity or factors relating to ASD, it could be problematic if they do not have access to a personal device or internet connection. This also creates a divide regarding who can access online therapy – those from lower-income environments might be excluded from this form of therapy due to a lack of access to the required resources. Additionally, failure in communication devices or internet connection could compromise a therapy session, which may result in stressful situations for someone who needs consistency to feel safe.
Reliance on verbal communication: Online therapy sessions heavily rely on verbal communication, which may present extreme challenges for the patient and behavior technician. Some people with ASD struggle to express or articulate themselves verbally, so this could lead to misunderstandings or stressful situations. A behavior technician may also be unable to use specific strategies that require objects or other tactile aids that they would be able to use in person.
