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Digital Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis

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Abstract

This study aimed to review digital interventions in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Nineteen studies were included. The interventions aimed to improve social skills (n = 11), developmental skills (n = 2) and 6 other different targets. Technology used were computer programs (n = 14), tablet apps (n = 3), a robot (n = 1) and an interactive DVD (n = 1). The meta-analysis resulted in an overall effect size (Cohen’s d) of 0.32 [0.12–0.51], indicating a small effect. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 = 100%), limiting the generalization of results. Therefore, we recommend larger RCT studies, and guidelines for the development of trials evaluating digital interventions for ASD, for making comparison of future studies possible.

Registration can be found online at Prospero: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, registration no. CRD42020146542.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Maria Tækker, Povl Munk-Jørgensen, Pia Veldt Larsen, Céline Croucher Vasarhelyi, Psychiatric Research Academy, Ole Jacob Storebø and Thomas Bernhard for their help and support.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Odense, Research Unit (University Function), Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 16, entrance 230, 5000, Odense C, Denmark

    Helena Sandgreen, Line Hofmann Frederiksen & Niels Bilenberg

  2. Psychiatric Research Academy, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

    Helena Sandgreen & Line Hofmann Frederiksen

  3. Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

    Helena Sandgreen, Line Hofmann Frederiksen & Niels Bilenberg

  4. Department of Internal Medicine, Aabenraa Hospital, Aabenraa, Denmark

    Line Hofmann Frederiksen

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  1. Helena Sandgreen
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  2. Line Hofmann Frederiksen
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  3. Niels Bilenberg
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Contributions

This study was designed and prepared by HS and NB. The search and selection of studies was conducted by HS and LHF. The dataextraction, Risk of Bias assessment and analysis was conducted by HS. The manuscript was written by all authors.

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Correspondence to Helena Sandgreen.

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Sandgreen, H., Frederiksen, L.H. & Bilenberg, N. Digital Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 51, 3138–3152 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04778-9

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