Tablet-based interventions for individuals with ASD: Evidence of generalization and maintenance effects

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Tablet-based interventions demonstrate positive effects for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Evidence regarding the maintenance and generalization of these intervention effects remains limited.
• This gap necessitates a focused review of existing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review single-case experimental design (SCED) studies.
• To evaluate evidence for generalization and maintenance effects of tablet-based interventions in individuals with ASD.
• To assess the methodological rigor of these studies.

Main Methods:

• Adoption of four What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) basic design standards.
• Utilized Tau-U effect size measure for analysis.
• Calculated effect sizes differentiated by generalization and maintenance strategies.

Main Results:

• 21 studies assessed generalization and/or maintenance effects.
• Over half met IOA quality thresholds; less than a third had sufficient data points.
• Moderate to strong Tau-U effect sizes were found for baseline to generalization/maintenance, but small effects for intervention to generalization/maintenance contrasts.

Conclusions:

• A standardized system for appraising generalization and maintenance in SCED studies is needed.
• Future research should confirm the sustainability of behavioral changes from tablet interventions.
• Enhancing methodological rigor is crucial for reliable findings.