The role of telehealth and technology in the delivery of autism care

The prevalence of autism has increased dramatically in recent years. Globally, cases rose from 28.3 million in 2019 to 61.8 million in 2021 – a staggering 118% increase in just two years. In the US, where 1 in 36 children now receive an autism diagnosis, health care systems face increasing pressure to provide timely and effective care.

Telehealth and advanced technologies are emerging as vital tools in meeting this demand. From addressing delays in diagnosis to improving access to personalized care, these innovations are helping to bridge critical gaps in autism services.

The crisis of delayed diagnoses

“Wait times for autism care are a big issue in many parts of the country,” explains Dr. Doreen Samelson, chief clinical officer at Catalight. “First, people go on a waiting list for a diagnosis. Then they wait again for treatment. In some cases, it can be years between their initial concern and starting treatment. “

This delay can be devastating, especially given the importance of early intervention. The variability of autism only compounds the challenge. From individuals with mild autism who are highly independent to those who require lifelong support, the breadth of the spectrum makes timely and accurate diagnosis difficult.

Adding to the complexity, behaviors associated with autism often overlap with co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, gastrointestinal issues, and psychiatric disorders. These layers of complexity make it important to move beyond surface-level assessments.

Telehealth as a game changer

Telehealth is uniquely positioned to address the challenges of delayed diagnoses and fragmented care. By enabling clinicians to observe children in their home environments, Telehealth eliminates the stress of traveling to unfamiliar environments while providing a clearer picture of daily life.

“For families in rural areas or those who face transportation challenges, telehealth can be essential to accessing care,” says Samelson. “This allows clinicians to understand patients in context, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized care plans.”

Telehealth also increases emotional comfort, especially for children with sensory sensitivities or social anxiety. By conducting sessions in familiar settings, clinicians can foster a sense of safety that encourages engagement and cooperation.

Bridging the knowledge gap with AI

Another promising innovation lies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has the potential to transform the way clinicians and caregivers approach autism care.

“Existing generative AI and automation capabilities have tremendous near-term potential to close the knowledge gap between patients and physicians,” explains Keri Schoenbrun, director of development at TLI.

The challenge is vast. A recent study found that over 57,000 research articles on autism were published between 2011 and 2022 – a 160% increase. For physicians who juggle diverse patient populations, keeping up with this rapidly expanding body of knowledge is nearly impossible. AI provides a solution by sifting through data and connecting the dots in complex diagnostic profiles.

Schoenbrun shares a compelling example: “Imagine a child experiencing a bout of aggressive behavior at school and recent blood work showing low cholesterol levels. The connection between these factors can be overlooked, but AI can bring existing research to the fore, ensuring that conditions like this are not missed. “

This skill extends beyond diagnosis. AI can also help clinicians identify and treat co-occurring conditions, enabling a more holistic approach to health.

Supporting clinicians and carers

Beyond its diagnostic capabilities, AI is revolutionizing the daily work of clinicians. Tools like ambient note-tracking technology allow healthcare providers to focus more on patients and less on administrative tasks.

“No one goes into this field to take notes,” says Samelson. “Using AI to complete these tasks more efficiently allows clinicians to see more patients and increase access to care.”

This technology is also useful for neurodivergent clinicians themselves. Samelson notes that AMBIENT’s AI tools make it easier for individuals with dyslexia or ADHD to thrive in their roles, promoting diversity and inclusion within the healthcare workforce.

Caregivers, often the backbone of support for neurodivergent individuals, also benefit from these advances. AI-powered platforms drive care coordination and provide personalized support, easing the burden on families.

“Many caregivers, myself included, quit their jobs to manage the overwhelming coordination required to access quality health care,” shares Schoenbrun. “AI can reduce this burden, allowing families to focus on what matters most: the well-being of their loved ones.”

Addressing communication barriers

For many autistic individuals, communication barriers can hinder the effective delivery of health care. These challenges often result in missed diagnoses or inappropriate treatment plans.

“It may be necessary to rethink the typical office visit to ensure that patients and caregivers can use the communication techniques that work best for them,” says Schoenbrun.

Emerging technologies are helping to bridge these gaps. Tools such as eye tracking and emotional feedback systems can provide valuable insights into nonverbal cues, helping clinicians better understand their patients. Wearable devices that monitor anxiety levels and suggest calming interventions also hold promise for improving emotional regulation.

“Wearable technology that senses increased anxiety and nudges individuals—or their caregivers—to engage in calming activities can significantly reduce risky behaviors and improve overall well-being,” says Samelson.

Comprehensive Care: A Holistic Approach

As the health care system evolves, there is a growing recognition of the need for holistic approaches that prioritize overall health along with behavioral interventions.

“While ABA is one of the most common evidence-based interventions for autism, a person must be healthy and comfortable in their own skin to progress in therapy,” says Schoenbrun.

This requires addressing co-occurring conditions that may affect quality of life. Unfortunately, these conditions are often overlooked in the rush to begin behavioral treatments. Connecting patients and physicians to peer-reviewed research on the management of these conditions can significantly improve outcomes.

The future of autism care

Integrating technology into autism care is still in its early stages, but its potential is transformative. Telehealth, AI, and wearables aren’t just tools—they’re the foundation of a more comprehensive, responsive, and effective health system.

Schoenbrun envisions a future where AI enables a new standard of care for autistic individuals. “As doctors gain access to better information, we will see the emergence of autism specialists who take a more informed and nuanced approach to treating patients,” she says.

This shift will benefit not only autistic individuals, but the entire health care system. “Technology can improve care across the board,” says Samelson. “From reducing wait times to increasing diagnostic accuracy, its impact is far-reaching.”

Building comprehensive systems

For these advances to succeed, inclusion must remain at the heart of innovation. By involving neurodivergent individuals and their families in the development of new tools, health care systems can ensure that solutions are ethical, effective, and equitable.

“The big innovation is applying AI to solve problems at the intersection of individualized diagnostic profiles and a growing body of research,” says Schoenbrun. “It’s about creating tools that work for everyone, not just the majority.”

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the goal is clear: to create a system that meets the needs of all individuals, regardless of their unique challenges.