title: Telepractice in the assessment and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Studies involving the use of telepractice in the delivery of services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were reviewed with the intent to inform practice and identify areas for future research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic searches of electronic databases, reference lists and journals identified eight studies that met pre-determined inclusion criteria. These studies were analysed and summarized in terms of the: (a) characteristics of the participants, (b) technology utilized, (c) services delivered via telepractice, (d) research methodology and (e) results of the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Telepractice was used by university-based researchers, behaviour analysts, psychiatrists and psychologists to assist caretakers and educators in the delivery of services to 46 participants with ASD. The services delivered included behavioural and diagnostic assessments, educational consulting, guidance and supervision of behavioural interventions and coaching/training in the implementation of a comprehensive early intervention programme.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggests telepractice is a promising service delivery approach in the treatment of individuals with ASD that warrants additional research. Guidelines for practitioners and potential directions for future research are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts Amherst, 358 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9296, USA. mkboisve@comdis.umass.edu
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boisvert
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Andrianopoulos
authors.forename: Mary Lynn
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Boscardin
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017216:Telemedicine