The Effects of Digital Interventions on Language Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic...

Background/Objectives: Digital technologies are increasingly used in interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to support language development. However, existing evidence remains fragmented due to heterogeneity in intervention types, participant characteristics, and outcome measures. This systematic review aims to synthesize current empirical findings on the effects of digital interventions on language development in children with ASD and to identify key factors influencing intervention effectiveness. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and PsycINFO for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible studies included experimental, quasi-experimental, and intervention-based designs involving children aged 2-18 years with ASD and reporting at least one language-related outcome. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using a structured form. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist and CASP tools. Due to heterogeneity across studies, a narrative synthesis approach was applied. Results: A total of 61 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that digital interventions generally have positive effects on language development in children with ASD, with stronger and more consistent outcomes in receptive and expressive language domains. Intervention effectiveness varied according to duration, intensity, content quality, and contextual factors such as family involvement and technological access. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that digital interventions may have positive effects on language development in children with ASD, particularly in receptive and expressive language domains. Among intervention types, video modeling and AI-supported approaches appear to show promising outcomes; however, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of AI-focused studies and substantial heterogeneity in study designs, sample characteristics, and outcome measures. Gamified and mobile applications demonstrate moderate effects, especially in vocabulary and pragmatic language skills. Overall, intervention effectiveness varies according to duration, intensity, content quality, and contextual factors such as family involvement and technological access. Future research should prioritize standardized methodologies and longitudinal designs.