Tablet-based cognitive training as an early intervention tool for children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Abstract Background In recent years, with the development of the digital society, tablet/computer-based digital therapies have gradually been applied to assist in the learning, cognition, and social communication of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This will help address the limitations of offline interventions and provide more diverse treatment options for children with autism. In this article, we describe the basic framework of an innovative digital cognitive intervention software developed for toddlers and preschool children with ASD based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Additionally, we conducted a preliminary test study to explore the usage and attitudes of Chinese children with autism and their parents towards digital cognitive therapy. Methods In the preliminary test study, 6 Chinese children with ASD aged 3 to 6 were first recruited for a six-week usage test, and the patterns and performance of digital-assisted therapy software used by ASD children were quantitatively analyzed. Subsequently, 12 more ASD children aged 3–6 were recruited for a 3-month test study. A parent questionnaire was distributed after the test and a qualitative analysis of usage and primary caregivers' attitudes towards the digital software was conducted. Results The results of the training data preliminary confirmed the feasibility of the developed cognitive intervention software and the effectiveness of using the software for cognitive skills training in Chinese children with ASD. At the same time, the results of questionnaire interviews with 18 parents of autistic children who were treated with the cognitive intervention software also showed positive outcomes. Conclusion The autism digital intervention tool used in this study is feasible and has certain potential benefits. In the future, formal clinical control studies need to be conducted to recruit subjects from a wide range of backgrounds to further validate the effectiveness of this digital cognitive intervention software.