Telepractice in the assessment and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review.
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.
Boisvert
Michelle
M
University of Massachusetts Amherst, 358 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9296, USA. mkboisve@comdis.umass.edu
Lang
Russell
R
Andrianopoulos
Mary
M
Boscardin
Mary Lynn
ML
D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017216:Telemedicine