Digital Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Sandgreen, H., Frederiksen, L. H., et al. (2021).
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(9), 3138-3152.
This systematic review with meta-analysis investigates the effects of interactive digital interventions on skill outcomes in individuals on the autism spectrum.
No funding received
From database inception to June 15, 2019
Randomized controlled trials or controlled trials with both intervention and control groups. Excludes single or multiple single-case designs.
17
Interactive digital interventions targeting social skills, developmental skills, and other skills (e.g., working memory, cognitive flexibility, attention training, transition support) demonstrate a small, statistically significant positive effect size (d=0.32; 95% CI=0.12 to 0.51; <em>p</em><0.001) on outcomes in individuals on the autism spectrum. Meta-analysis of treatment variables (e.g., duration of intervention, age of participants, provider support during the intervention) found no statistically significant associations. The authors note risk of bias and heterogeneity across the included studies. Additional research involving larger randomized controlled trials of longer duration that evaluate different types of digital interventions (e.g., smartphones, virtual reality) is warranted.
