Digital technology interventions for communication skills in persons with neurodevelopmental disorders: a scoping review.

This review looked at digital tools that help people with developmental disabilities communicate better. Researchers found 103 studies mostly involving children with autism and intellectual disability. Digital communication devices showed good results for helping children make requests, respond to others, and have conversations. However, more research is needed for adults and larger groups of people to better understand how well these tools work.

This scoping review examined digital assistive technologies (DAT) for communication skills in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Analyzing 103 studies from 2009-2024, researchers found that most interventions focused on children with autism (56%) and intellectual disability (33.3%), primarily using augmentative and alternative communication devices and speech-generating devices. Studies reported significant improvements across multiple communication domains, with requesting skills showing the strongest evidence (41 studies), followed by intraverbal skills (34 studies), listener responses (33 studies), and commenting (23 studies). Despite promising results, research gaps exist regarding effectiveness in adults and diverse populations, with most studies having limited sample sizes and narrow focus areas.

Digital assistive technologies show promise for improving multiple communication domains in neurodevelopmental disorders. Clinicians should consider individualized DAT interventions, particularly for requesting and conversational skills. However, evidence is strongest for children with autism and intellectual disability, requiring careful consideration when working with other populations or age groups.

Limited sample sizes across studies restrict generalizability of findings. Research predominantly focused on children with autism and intellectual disability, with significant gaps in adult populations. Narrow focus on specific communication skills may not reflect comprehensive communication development needs.

Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) frequently experience severe communication impairments. Digital Assistive Technologies (DAT) have emerged as promising tools to address these challenges. The present scoping review aims to map the existing scientific literature on the use of DAT in fostering communication skills among individuals with NDD. Studies were included if they: (1) involved participants with NDD, (2) implemented DAT interventions for communication skills, and (3) were published between 2009 and 2024.

A systematic search was conducted across two electronic databases (ERIC and PubMed). Data extraction focused on participant characteristics, types of DAT interventions, communication outcomes, and implementation settings, following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. The review identified 103 eligible studies, predominantly focusing on children with autism (56 %) and intellectual disability (33.3 %). Most interventions utilized augmentative and alternative communication devices and speech-generating devices.

Studies reported significant improvements in communication skills, particularly in requesting (41 studies), commenting (23 studies), intraverbal skills (34 studies), and listener responses (33 studies). While DAT shows promise in enhancing communication skills, significant research gaps exist regarding its impact on different age groups, particularly adults. Limited sample sizes and narrow focus on specific communication skills restrict generalizability. Future research should explore DAT effectiveness across diverse populations and develop comprehensive, individualized intervention plans.