Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails for social skills training, offering patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) a secure and practical method to improve their social interactions.
The importance of social skills training
Social skills are needed in various settings, including school, work, and community activities. A study on social skills training in autism spectrum disorder explains “The construct of social skills is both multidimensional and [related to] cognition, language, and mental health.” Additionally, “social skills consistently predict multiple important outcomes in the general population, including quality of life, self-esteem, and overall happiness.”
For individuals with autism, these skills often need teaching and practice to “improve outcomes in this population.”
Social skills training in ASD
According to Autism Speaks, teaching social skills includes:
- “Direct or explicit instruction and ‘teachable moments’ with practice in realistic settings.
- Focus on timing and attention.
- Support for enhancing communication and sensory integration.
- Learning behaviors that predict important social outcomes like friendship and happiness.
- A way to build up cognitive and language skills.”
Providers should teach these skills in a structured environment, with consistent guidance, helping individuals with autism navigate social situations more effectively.
Autism Speaks elaborates that "effective social skills should:
- Provide structure and predictability
- Break down abstract social concepts into concrete actions
- Simplify language
- Encourage partnerships
- Provide multiple and varied learning opportunities
- Foster self-awareness and self-esteem
- Provide opportunities for practice so that skills are used… in real-life settings.”
Why use emails for social skills training?
Providers, like occupational and behavioral therapists, can use emails for social skills training. The written format helps individuals with autism process information more clearly and provides a record of interactions for review. Additionally, emails create a controlled environment that can be structured and monitored, making them ideal for guided social skills practice.
However, HIPAA regulations mandate that emails containing protected health information are secured to protect patient privacy. Providers can use a HIPAA compliant platform, like Paubox, which offers encryption, two-factor authentication, and audit trails to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI).
Using HIPAA compliant emails for social skills training
Providing structure and predictability
Providers can use a HIPAA compliant email template for a consistent format, offering clear expectations to patients. Additionally, checking and responding to emails routinely provides a predictable structure.
Breaking down abstract social concepts into concrete actions
HIPAA compliant emails can be designed to address specific social skills step-by-step. For example, an email could provide tips on initiating a conversation with a new acquaintance, followed by strategies for maintaining eye contact and active listening during the interaction.
Simplified language
Providers must check emails for concise language tailored to the individual’s comprehension level before sending it.
Encouraging partnerships
HIPAA compliant emails allow communication between providers, educators, and patients, ensuring everyone is informed and able to collaborate while maintaining patient privacy.
Providing multiple and varied learning opportunities
HIPAA compliant emails can include different social scenarios that patients can practice and reinforce. For example, they can simulate asking for help with a task, allowing patients to refine their social skills before applying them in real-life situations.
Foster self-awareness and self-esteem
Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to send positive feedback, which could help boost self-esteem and encourage self-awareness. Additionally, providers should encourage patients to reflect after each exercise, helping them identify what they found challenging.
Provide opportunities for practice
Regular email exchanges can create ongoing opportunities for practicing social skills, which can be generalized and applied in face-to-face interactions. For example, providers can design email-based exercises that mimic real-life social scenarios where the individual needs to ask for help, express gratitude, or handle a disagreement.
FAQs
Can providers use email for patient reminders and appointment scheduling?
Yes, providers can use HIPAA compliant emails for appointment reminders and scheduling, helping to reduce no-shows and improve overall efficiency in healthcare settings.
What makes an email HIPAA compliant?
Providers must use a HIPAA compliant platform, like Paubox, which uses encryption, access controls, and auditing to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI).
What happens if patient information is compromised in an email?
If patient information is compromised via email, it could result in legal consequences, fines, and damage to the provider's reputation. Additionally, patients can suffer from identity theft or other privacy breaches.
Go deeper: What are the penalties for HIPAA violations?
