Information and Communication Technologies-Based Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Conditions: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials From a Positive Technology Perspective
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Scarcella, I., Marino, F., et al. (2023).
Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1212522.
<div>This systematic review explores the impact of technology-based (e.g., tablet, computer, social robot) interventions on social skills in children on the autism spectrum.</div>
Project INTER PARES Inclusione, Tecnologie e Rete: un Progetto per l'Autismo fra Ricerca, E-health e Sociale (Italy); Municipality of Messina (Italy)
2011 to 2022
<div>Randomized controlled trials</div>
14
<div>Technology-based social communication interventions generally improved social skills in children, aged 2 to 15, on the autism spectrum. Some studies demonstrated superior outcomes compared to more traditional approaches. Specific findings include:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Preliminary, positive results were reported in two studies utilizing tablet-based. One study demonstrated improvements in language and social skills while the other demonstrated improved emotion recognition and empathy. </li>
<li>Computer-based serious games demonstrated positive results for social skills (e.g., emotion recognition, social interactions, social-emotional functioning) and/or psychosocial outcomes (e.g., anxiety) within four studies.</li>
<li>Mixed results were reported for social robots, with positive or neutral results for social skills and communication.</li>
</ul>
<div>Limitations to this review include heterogeneity between studies, reduced reliability and validity of assessment measures, and generally small sample sizes. Additional research is needed. </div>
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