Selecting Computer-Mediated Interventions to Support the Social and Emotional Development of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This chapter is designed to provide parents, professionals, and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with tools to help them evaluate the effectiveness of computer-mediated interventions to support the social and emotional development of individuals with ASD. Starting with guidelines for selecting computer-mediated interventions, we highlight the importance of identifying target skills for intervention that match an individual's needs and interests. We describe how readers can assess the degree to which an intervention is evidence-based, and include an overview of different types of experiments and statistical methods. We examine a variety of computer-mediated interventions and the evidence base for each: computer-delivered instruction (including games), iPad-type apps, virtual environments, and robots. We describe websites that provide additional resources for finding educational games and apps. We conclude by emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual with ASD and the importance of selecting interventions that are well-matched to the specific needs of each individual.