Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is becoming more and more common worldwide, yet many families still struggle to get timely, specialized rehabilitation care. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising solution to bridge geographical, financial, and resource barriers. The effectiveness of telerehabilitation interventions for kids with ASD is investigated in this review of the research, with particular attention paid to behavioral outcomes, social functioning, communication skills, and parental engagement.
Methods: A comprehensive review of 24 studies was conducted, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and pilot studies published between 2017 and 2022. The trials looked at telerehabilitation programs for kids with verified diagnoses of ASD who were between the ages of 19 months and 18 years. Parent-mediated programs, in-person therapy sessions, virtual reality (VR)-based platforms, and hybrid strategies that combine telehealth and in-person services were among the therapies. Primary outcomes included improvements in communication, social skills, behavior management, and parent/caregiver satisfaction.
Results: The review included 24 studies with a total of 1854 participants. Telerehabilitation interventions demonstrated significant improvements in communication skills (e.g., joint attention, verbalizations) and social functioning (e.g., social interaction, play skills). Parent-mediated interventions were particularly effective for younger children, with high levels of parent satisfaction and engagement reported. VR-based interventions showed promise in enhancing joint attention and social communication. The potential for long-lasting benefits was highlighted by hybrid techniques that combine telemedicine with sporadic in-person meetings. A major contributor to the effectiveness of telerehabilitation was parental involvement; numerous studies found that caregivers experienced less stress and more confidence.
Conclusion: The usefulness of telerehabilitation interventions for kids with ASD is supported by the data in this review, especially when it comes to enhancing social and communicative skills. Particularly for families in underprivileged or rural locations, telerehabilitation presents a strong substitute or addition to conventional in-person therapy. Future research should focus on developing standardized protocols, identifying optimal intervention strategies, and evaluating long-term outcomes. Additionally, addressing challenges such as the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to telehealth services will be critical for maximizing the benefits of telerehabilitation for children with ASD and their families.