Abstract
Major advances in multimedia computer technology over the past decades have made sophisticated computer games readily available
to the public. This, combined with the observation that most children, including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD),
show an affinity to computers, has led researchers to recognize the potential of computer technology as an effective and efficient
tool in research and treatment. This paper reviews the use of computer-assisted technology (CAT), excluding strictly internet-based
approaches, to enhance social, communicative, and language development in individuals with ASD by dividing the vast literature
into four main areas: language, emotion recognition, theory of mind, and social skills. Although many studies illustrate the
tremendous promise of CAT to enhance skills of individuals with ASD, most lack rigorous, scientific assessment of efficacy
relative to non-CAT approaches.
to the public. This, combined with the observation that most children, including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD),
show an affinity to computers, has led researchers to recognize the potential of computer technology as an effective and efficient
tool in research and treatment. This paper reviews the use of computer-assisted technology (CAT), excluding strictly internet-based
approaches, to enhance social, communicative, and language development in individuals with ASD by dividing the vast literature
into four main areas: language, emotion recognition, theory of mind, and social skills. Although many studies illustrate the
tremendous promise of CAT to enhance skills of individuals with ASD, most lack rigorous, scientific assessment of efficacy
relative to non-CAT approaches.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original paper
- Pages 1-22
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1571-3
- Authors
- Bertram O. Ploog, Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Alexa Scharf, Department of Psychology, 4S-105, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
- DeShawn Nelson, Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Patricia J. Brooks, Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257