Research on technological interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorders : a scoping review

Abstract

Researchers have widely reported using technological interventions to support young children with autism spectrum disorder. Given the abundance and diversity of research on the topic, the authors conducted a scoping review of 158 studies published from 1994 to 2019 to provide a current state of the literature and guide future research. Overall, the results indicate that video modeling, communication aids, and discrete trial instruction have been the topic of the most studies in the research literature. Moreover, most researchers have used single-case designs and combined technology with some type of adult provided support. Findings suggest that future studies should compare the use of different devices and interventions directly together while better isolating the unique contribution of technology when evaluating its effects.