20% of Children Have Learning Differences, This Startup Is Here to Help | Diana Heldfond of Parallel

How Parallel is Transforming Support for Students with Learning Differences

Navigating the educational landscape can be challenging, especially for students with learning and thinking differences. Parallel, a fully virtual platform, aims to revolutionize the way support services are delivered to these students. In a recent podcast, Diana Heldfond, the founder of Parallel, shared insights into how their innovative approach is providing accessible, high-quality care for children with various learning challenges.

What is Parallel and How Does It Work?

Parallel offers a range of services for children with learning and thinking differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. The platform provides psychological assessments, speech and language therapy, behavioral therapy, skill-based tutoring, and executive function coaching. Parallel serves as a one-stop shop for families seeking comprehensive support for their children’s educational and developmental needs.

Why is There a Need for Parallel?

The current landscape for supporting students with learning differences is fragmented and often inaccessible. Families typically have two options:

1. School Districts: While schools are required by law to provide special education services, they are often overwhelmed and understaffed, leading to long wait times and insufficient support.
2. Private Services: Private psychological assessments and tutoring can be prohibitively expensive, costing anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000, and also involve long wait times.

Parallel addresses these issues by offering affordable, high-quality services with significantly reduced wait times. The platform's virtual model allows for more efficient and flexible service delivery, making it easier for families to access the help they need.

How Does Parallel Streamline the Process?

Parallel’s approach is designed to be both efficient and comprehensive:

• Initial Consultation: Families start with a consultation to identify their child's specific needs.
• Customized Matching: The care team matches the student with a suitable provider from Parallel’s network of highly trained professionals.
• Individualized Care Plans: Services are tailored to each student's unique challenges and goals, ensuring personalized support.
• Efficient Use of Technology: Parallel uses proprietary technology to streamline administrative tasks, allowing providers to focus more on direct care.

What Services Does Parallel Offer?

1. Psychological Assessments: Parallel provides comprehensive evaluations to diagnose learning and thinking differences, using standardized testing materials and proprietary technology to enhance efficiency.
2. Speech and Language Therapy: Tailored programs help children develop crucial communication skills.
3. Behavioral Therapy: Addressing behavioral challenges to improve social interactions and academic performance.
4. Skill-Based Tutoring: Focused on building specific academic skills to help students succeed in their studies.
5. Executive Function Coaching: Helping students develop organizational and time management skills to navigate their academic and personal lives more effectively.

How Does Parallel Ensure Quality and Accessibility?

Parallel’s model leverages both technology and strategic staffing to ensure high-quality, accessible care:

• Use of Technology: By automating administrative tasks and utilizing telehealth tools, Parallel reduces costs and improves efficiency.
• Supervisory Models: Highly trained psychometrists assist with assessments under the supervision of clinical psychologists, broadening the pool of available professionals.
• Flexible Service Delivery: Virtual services allow for flexible scheduling and reduce geographic barriers, making it easier for families to access support.

How Does Parallel Work with Schools?

Parallel collaborates with school districts to provide outsourced support services, helping schools manage the increased demand for special education services. This partnership approach helps schools address staffing shortages and meet their legal obligations to provide necessary support to students.

What Challenges Has Parallel Overcome?

One of the main challenges in the field of virtual assessments and therapy is ensuring clinical validity. Initially, many stakeholders were skeptical about the effectiveness of telehealth for psychological assessments. However, COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of virtual services, and ongoing research supports the validity of tele-assessments for many conditions.

Are There Limitations to Virtual Services?

While virtual services are effective for many cases, there are certain conditions, such as autism, that currently require in-person assessment. Additionally, students with severe ADHD may find it challenging to engage in virtual sessions. Parallel continuously evolves its protocols and technology to address these limitations and ensure effective service delivery.

Measuring Success at Parallel

Success at Parallel is measured through a combination of clinical outcomes and qualitative feedback:

• Clinical Measures: Regular assessments to track progress and adjust care plans as needed.
• Goal Setting: Individualized goals set in collaboration with families and educators to ensure tailored support.
• Ongoing Evaluation: Continuous improvement of services based on feedback and outcomes to ensure the highest quality of care.

FAQs

What is Parallel?Parallel is a fully virtual platform providing psychological assessments, therapy, tutoring, and coaching for students with learning and thinking differences.

How does Parallel work?Families start with a consultation to identify needs, followed by personalized matching with a provider. Services are delivered virtually, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

Who can benefit from Parallel?Students with learning and thinking differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and more, can benefit from Parallel's comprehensive support services.

How does Parallel ensure quality?Parallel uses technology to streamline administrative tasks and employs a supervisory model to ensure high-quality, efficient care delivery.

Does Parallel work with schools?Yes, Parallel partners with school districts to provide outsourced special education services, helping schools manage increased demand and staffing shortages.

Conclusion

Parallel is transforming the landscape of support for students with learning and thinking differences by providing accessible, high-quality virtual services. For families and schools seeking effective solutions, Parallel offers a comprehensive platform that addresses the unique needs of each student.

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