Telehealth autism services: Service providers and users’ perspectives

Background Access to autism services could be challenging for families in rural areas. Telehealth has become a popular tool for autism services since the pandemic. This study aimed to examine providers’ and service users’ perspectives on the feasibility of telehealth for autism services and to identify factors predicting their continued intent to use telehealth. Methods Participants (n = 67) included 24 autism service providers, 37 caregivers, and eight autistic individuals. All completed an online survey adapted from the Telehealth Satisfaction Questionnaire. Qualitative responses were analyzed using a priori coding based on a feasibility theoretical framework. Results Quantitative analyses indicated that perceptions of practicality and acceptability of telehealth significantly predicted participants’ intent to use these services. Qualitative results indicate that telehealth presents some barriers: (a) implementation barriers, including technological difficulties and client profile challenges; (b) acceptability barriers related to rapport; (c) adaptation barriers related to modifications of material; (d) integration barriers related to training and caregiver capacity. Conclusions Telehealth is generally acceptable and practical for autism services, but barriers remain at organizational, provider, and client levels. Addressing these barriers through strategic planning may enhance equitable access to evidence-based autism services.