Telehealth as a Model for Providing Behaviour Analytic Interventions to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Most studies were rated weak, so the evidence base is limited. All group-design studies were weak, and 19 of 20 single-subject studies were weak. 55% (n = 11) of single-subject studies had unacceptable baseline conditions, making it harder to tell whether change came from the intervention. 79% (n = 22) of studies were rated unacceptable for participant characteristics because age, gender or diagnostic details were often missing. Telehealth was usually combined with coaching, websites, manuals, DVDs or written instructions, so the contribution of telehealth alone cannot be separated. Only 36% (n = 10) of studies included maintenance or follow-up probes, and only 30% (n = 3) had promising follow-up data. All eligible studies were conducted in the United States, so service context may differ elsewhere. The review excluded studies where telehealth did not include a two-way communication system with a professional, so it may not cover all relevant telehealth models.

Do not conclude that telehealth alone is an established evidence-based treatment for autism. The review included 28 studies, but the field was designated not an evidence-based practice because of methodological omissions. Telehealth was usually combined with coaching, websites, manuals or DVDs, so its separate effect cannot be identified.