The Rehabilitation of Autism Spectrum Disorder through Assistive Technology: A Systematic Review

Background and Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that influences different functions of the individual. Several interventional approaches have been used to help this group of individuals. Present study aimed to systemically review the rehabilitation of autism spectrum disorder through assistive technology. Searching the keywords of assistive technology, educational technology, and learning technology in the context of autism spectrum disorder in the specialized national and international research databases of years 1993 to 2017, the information concerning the research objective were collected and then analyzed. Single-case research design has the highest frequency in all types of research (48 %). Most of the 48 research articles selected in the context of improving the cognitive skills and behavioral skills were related to the application of social assistive technology for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (each with a frequency of 11 %). Among the technologies applied, the educational software used for autism spectrum disorder was of the highest frequency (17 %). Centers for exceptional children and combined use of several training settings were the most applied training settings (33% in total). In addition, individualized assessment, family involvement, and ongoing support were studied in 25, 21, and 16 % of the articles, respectively. Results of most researches revealed the positive effectiveness of assistive technology for autism spectrum disorder. The complementary role of assistive technology including video modeling, virtual reality, picture exchange communication system, and humanoid robot for rehabilitation, is the main factor explaining their use for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Results of different studies indicate that design of assistive technology programs in the arena of developmental disabilities and assessment of their effectiveness on the individuals with autism spectrum disorder in Iran is necessary.