"This Is Going To Be Different, But It's Not Impossible": Adapting To Telehealth Occupational Therapy For Autistic Children.

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