Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology
• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) research
• Intervention studies

Background:

• Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social cognition deficits and executive function heterogeneity.
• Cognitive remediation (CR) interventions aim to improve cognitive and general functioning but evidence in ASC is limited.
• This systematic review synthesizes existing research on CR interventions for ASC in adolescents and adults.

Approach:

• A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase from inception to April 2020.
• Included 13 relevant studies out of 1,503 initial publications.

Key Points:

• The 13 studies comprised 4 RCTs, 2 non-RCTs, 4 case series, 2 feasibility studies, and 1 case study.
• Narrative synthesis suggests CR interventions may improve social cognition and cognitive functioning in ASC.
• RCTs support CR efficacy for social cognition and executive functioning; non-RCTs and case studies indicate feasibility and positive participant feedback.

Conclusions:

• CR interventions demonstrate potential effectiveness for improving social cognition and cognitive functioning in ASC.
• Methodological limitations in current studies hinder generalizability.
• Future RCTs require larger sample sizes, long-term outcome measures, and consideration of ASC heterogeneity and intervention mechanisms.