Cited by 189Telemedicine and Telehealth ImplementationAutism Spectrum Disorder ResearchBehavioral and Psychological Studies

Telehealth and autism prior to and in the age of COVID-19: A systematic and critical review of the last decade

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Ellison, Kimberly S., Guidry, Jerrica, Picou, Paige, Adenuga, Paige, Davis, Thompson E.·2021·Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review

Abstract

There has been growing interest in the use of telehealth; however, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent isolation and restrictions placed on in-person services have fast-tracked implementation needs for these services. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been particularly affected due to the often-intensive service needs required by this population. As a result, the aim of this review was to examine the evidence base, methodology, and outcomes of studies that have used telehealth for assessment and/or intervention with children and adolescents with ASD as well as their families over the last decade. Further, the goal is to highlight the advances in telehealth and its use with this special population. A systematic search of the literature was undertaken, with 55 studies meeting inclusion criteria and quality analysis. Specified details were extracted from each article, including participant characteristics, technology, measures, methodology/study design, and clinical and implementation outcomes. Services provided via telehealth included diagnostic assessments, preference assessments, early intervention, applied behavior analysis (ABA), functional assessment and functional communication training, and parent training. Findings, although still emerging, encouragingly suggested that services via telehealth were equivalent or better to services face-to-face. Results support the benefits to using telehealth with individuals with ASD. Future research should continue to explore the feasibility of both assessments and interventions via telehealth with those having ASD to make access to assessment services and interventions more feasible for families, while acknowledging the digital divide it could create.

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Authors
Ellison, K. S., Guidry, J., Picou, P., Adenuga, P., & Davis, T. E.
Affiliations
Louisiana State University (US)
Corresponding author
Davis, Thompson E.
Venue
Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review
Published
2021-06-10
Volume
24
Issue
3
Pages
599-630
ISSN
  • 1096-4037 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-2827
OpenAlex
W3170525105
Cited by
189
References
78
Citations by year
2026: 21 · 2025: 38 · 2024: 47 · 2023: 42 · 2022: 39 · 2021: 2
FWCI
5.79
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Civil War Book Review (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
Keywords
telemedicine, autism spectrum disorder, COVID-19 pandemic, remote assessment, remote intervention, applied behavior analysis, functional communication training, parent training, early intervention, preference assessment, digital divide, children and adolescents
MeSH terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder, COVID-19, Adolescent, Child, Humans, Treatment Outcome, Telemedicine

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