How Telemedicine Is Used for Children With Autism

What is telemedicine? Telemedicine is a telecommunication and medical technology that allows a healthcare professional to diagnose, treat, and manage patients who are in remote areas.

Telemedicine in Texas has been growing in popularity and for a good reason. Telemedicine is an effective way to provide care in places where it’s difficult or expensive to have a full-time doctor.

Telemedicine has also become a game-changer in the diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you’re interested in learning about how telemedicine for children with autism, keep reading to learn more!

What is Telemedicine?

The telemedicine industry has boomed in recent years, even more with the pandemic. Now, telemedicine is a major player in the healthcare field.

Patients can now connect with medical professionals via video conferencing. There are also many benefits of telemedicine that apply to children with an autism spectrum disorder.

One of these benefits of telemedicine is using it as a diagnostic tool. Doctors can now use telemedicine to perform an autism-related assessment. With the remote diagnosis, they are also able to develop a care plan that is specific to their patient.

Screening and Early Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Research has shown that early diagnosis of ASD can significantly improve a child’s development. Telemedicine can play an important role in the early detection of ASD.

Screening for ASD usually consists of developmental and behavioral assessments by medical professionals. Screenings are conducted in a face-to-face manner, but telemedicine can be used as a diagnostic tool.

Depending on the developmental pediatrician in Dallas, the diagnosis process is done over four visits. Here is an example of our evaluation and diagnosis process:

First appointment: The first appointment involves reviewing the parents’ M-CHAT-R via teleconference. The M-CHAT-R(Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers – Revised) is a parent-report screening tool. This tool helps determine the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in your child. You will also be going over and discussing the parents’ detailed history.

Second appointment: Using Vineland 3 Adaptive Test, we will assess the child’s current level of adaptive functioning.

Third appointment: Before this appointment, we will send provide parents a protocol. We also ask the parents to send a video of themselves interacting with their child using this protocol. We use this video to score the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale 2.

Fourth Appointment: The fourth and final appointment involves presenting a final report. The report includes diagnosis, prescription for services, discussing prognosis, and follow-up. We will also discuss what the parents can do at home and if we’ll need any more testing. (Genetic, Hearing, Neurological, and Genetic).

Why More Doctors Are Now Recommending This Telemedicine Over Traditional Methods 

High-speed internet connections and devices necessary to do a video visit are now widely available. Because of this, telemedicine is becoming more common. More people can now take advantage of telemedicine, making it a mainstream service. Here are some of the advantages telemedicine offers patients:

No Transportation Costs

Telemedicine allows patients to access medical care from the comfort of their own homes. This eliminates transportation costs.

No Waiting

Telemedicine visits need little or no wait time. The wait time is like waiting during an urgent care visit. Say goodbye to the days of sitting in a waiting room and browsing through old magazines!

No Need to Take Time off Work

Telemedicine visits are available on a variety of different days and hours. No more need to switch work schedules or take time off to make an appointment!

Easy Access

Patients who live in remote areas that lack adequate healthcare services can access telemedicine. Telemedicine helps patients receive medical care right away. Otherwise, these patients would not be able to find an accessible facility for miles around them.

Cut Child Care Issues

If you have more than one child, it can be difficult and expensive to arrange child care. If one of your children needs to see the doctor, bringing them can be stressful or impossible. Telemedicine can solve this issue since it allows you to see the doctor while keeping up with your family obligations.

Less Chance of Getting a New Illness

Even though everyone does their best to avoid spreading infections, there is always a risk. Crowded waiting rooms are no exception. Getting the care you need at home minimizes your risk of exposure. It also minimizes the chance that you will pass an illness on to others.

Prepare For Your First Visit

The right materials at the beginning of our first appointment are important for a productive first appointment. Before the appointment, we may ask parents, education staff, and family members to fill out a quick online form. These questions help us gather information about the reason for testing and any concerns.

The first appointment usually lasts between sixty and ninety minutes. Please have the following information ready for your child’s autism diagnosis in Texas:

1. Birth history – Prepare to share any difficulties experienced during the child’s birth. Examples include oxygen restriction or NICU stays.
2. Family health history -Any developmental disorder in the family history should be noted
3. Developmental history – Documentation of any developmental differences you have noticed in your child. Include when your child first spoke, difficulties related to diet, and interventions you have engaged in during early childhood.
4. Previous tests and reports – It is necessary to bring all of your child’s results and reports to us if your child has been tested by the school system or by another professional. Even if we use the same or similar tests, knowing how your child performed on these assessments before can be beneficial.

Telemedicine in Texas: Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis for Children

Telemedicine in Texas can be a great resource for children who need an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Our team is committed to providing the best care possible, regardless of location or time constraints.

If you have any questions about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We are here to help, and our specialists are happy to answer your questions.