The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the way we deliver services, including applied behavior analysis (ABA). As behavior analysts, we have had to adapt quickly to telehealth to ensure our clients continue to receive the necessary interventions. The research article "Adapting Direct Services for Telehealth: A Practical Tutorial" provides valuable insights and practical steps to help practitioners transition to telehealth effectively.
Here are some key takeaways from the article that can help improve your telehealth skills:
- Utilize Teleconferencing Platforms: Platforms like Zoom offer features such as screen sharing, annotation tools, and virtual backgrounds that can create an engaging and effective learning environment. For example, using the "Share Computer Sound" feature can enhance auditory stimuli presentation.
- Reduce Distractions: Virtual settings can introduce unique distractions. Use Zoom's "Hide Non-video Participants" and "Turn Off Participant Camera" features to keep the learner focused on instructional stimuli.
- Promote Attending Behaviors: Ensure the learner is attending to the screen by using visual and auditory prompts. Zoom's "Spotlight" and "Draw" tools can serve as digital gestural prompts to guide the learner's attention.
- Implement Error Correction: Error correction is crucial for skill acquisition. Use Zoom's "Annotate" and "Screen Share" features to remove and re-present stimuli, facilitating repeated practice opportunities.
- Identify Preferred Stimuli: Conducting stimulus preference assessments (SPAs) can help identify effective reinforcers. Use Zoom's "Portion of Screen Share" feature to present pictorial or video representations of stimuli.
- Deliver Reinforcers: Ensure reinforcers are delivered immediately and appropriately. Zoom's "Portion of Screen Share" allows quick transitions between instructional stimuli and reinforcers, maintaining temporal contiguity.
By integrating these strategies, you can enhance the effectiveness of your telehealth services and continue to provide high-quality ABA interventions. As we navigate this new landscape, ongoing assessment and adaptation are key to ensuring successful outcomes for our learners.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Adapting Direct Services for Telehealth: A Practical Tutorial.
