Symposium: Telehealth Training - A Viable Option for Teacher Training in Behavior Supports for Children with Challenging Behavior.

Chair: Anu Dutt (National Institute of Education – Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
Discussant: Jennifer McComas (University of Minnesota)
Recent trends in telecommunication makes it possible to conduct a variety of educational and healthcare services remotely thereby bridging the gap between consumers and qualified providers. A growing body of empirical research suggests that many behavior analytic assessment and treatment procedures can be highly effective in reducing a child’s challenging behavior when delivered remotely via the latest telehealth technologies. In this symposium, we will bring together three presentations on the use of telehealth methods to expand access to behavioral assessment and intervention services. Findings and recommendations will be discussed in terms of important implications and future directions for teacher training in providing effective behavior supports to children with special needs.
 
Paper 1: Best Practices for the Use of Remote Technology in Human Service Settings
Authors: Denice Rios, Becky Eldridge, & Stephanie Peterson (Western Michigan University, United States)
Teleconsultation is a method of providing services using remote technology. In rural areas it can be the solution to close the gap in service provision for families that need services. In this paper, we will detail the technical factors that should be considered by individuals who are attempting to engage in teleconsultation. Specifically, we will review best practices in technology and software, security, and ethical considerations when engaging in teleconsultation. In addition, we provide some recommendations based on current trends and best practices and discussed implications for future use of such technologies. 
 
Paper 2: The Effects of a Remote Behavioral Skills Training on Staff Performance in Conducting Functional Analyses
Authors: Becky Eldridge, Denice Rios, & Stephanie Peterson (Western Michigan University, United States)
The present study sought to extend the current literature on utilizing behavioral skills training (BST) to teach practitioners how to implement functional analyses (FA). We used a multiple baseline design across participants to measure the effects of using a remote BST package on accurate implementation of FA procedures. Specifically, we trained 10 social workers who had limited formal training in FA methodologies using HIPAA-secure teleconsultation technology and BST. Each participant experienced four phases, which included baseline (only instructions with simulated clients), BST (instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback with simulated clients), post training probes (probes with simulated clients), and in-situ probes (probes with actual clients). All participants increased their performance in conducting FAs during the remote BST phase. Seven out ten participants maintained their performance at or above mastery criterion during post-training probes with simulated clients and during in-situ probes with actual clients. These results suggest that the use of remote technology for training purposes could be a cost-effective and feasible solution to increase the quality of services and number of trained professionals.
 
Paper 3: Treating Severe Behavior Problems via Telehealth
David P. Wacker, Ph.D., (University of Iowa, United States)
In this presentation, I will provide a description of a behavioral assessment (functional analysis) and treatment (functional communication training) programs that were delivered to parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their homes via telehealth services. Children with ASD involved in this study engaged in severe behavior problems such as self-injury, aggression, and property destruction. Study findings revealed significant reductions in challenging behavior via telehealth services even though behavior therapists were not in physical contact with the children or parents. Results will be discussed in terms case examples and descriptions of the procedures. Furthermore, future directions and implications will be discussed in terms of teacher training in behavior management for children with challenging behaviors.