Effectiveness, implementation settings, and research priorities of telemedicine-delivered interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review
Martina Micai, Angela Caruso, Letizia Gila, Francesco Campanella, Costanza Colombi, Federica Funari, Veronica Scordino, Carla Sogos, Christian Veronesi, Valeria Zili, Francesca Fulceri, María Luisa Scattoni
Abstract
This systematic review aims to examine evidence on telemedicine-delivered interventions for autistic children and adolescents, considering diverse approaches, settings, and modalities used to address core symptoms and co-occurring conditions. A comprehensive search strategy consulted PubMed and PsycInfo databases from inception to March 2023. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023404111. Each work was screened, and two blind authors extracted data. Out of 6010 studies, 19 publications with 366 participants (305 carers and 61 autistic children/adolescents) were included. Combined findings from observational and experimental studies indicate telemedicine-delivered interventions are comparable in effectiveness to traditional “in-person” treatments and involve lower costs. Tele-intervention outcomes show promise in facilitating interventions, actively engaging parents, and generalizing the socio-communicative behaviors of children. While the enforced adoption of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted clinicians to assess its role in the field of autism, a comprehensive understanding of its efficacy, benefits, and associated costs has yet to be fully established. Future studies should prioritize rigorous experimental methodologies, including subgroup analyses based on child/adolescent and family characteristics, aiding intervention implementation. • 19 records with 366 participants were included in the systematic review. • Telemedicine aids autism treatment effectively. • Cost-effective telemedicine engages parents, improves children’s behaviors. • Understanding telemedicine's autism benefits is still incomplete. • Future studies prioritize rigorous methods, analyze child/family traits.