Digital Health Interventions Show Promise in Supporting Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Strategic Insights -

A scoping review published in BMC Psychology has revealed that digital health interventions (DHIs) can be an effective tool in supporting the psychological health of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research consistently shows that parents of children with ASD are at a greater risk of psychological difficulties, and various interventions exist to enhance their psychological health. However, the potential of DHIs in this context remains underexplored.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 53 studies published between 2013 and 2024 were identified, examining the effectiveness of DHIs on the psychological health of parents of children with ASD under 18 years of age.
  • Most studies (54.7%) originated from the United States, followed by China (13.2%).
  • The studies primarily focus on parental skill training and support (n = 27), managing children's problem behavior and health (n = 15), and parental psychological health and emotional regulation (n = 11).
  • Regarding intervention methods, the studies were categorized into videoconferencing telehealth, e-learning telehealth, mHealth, and asynchronous telehealth, with Zoom being the most frequently used platform (n = 16).
  • Significant improvements were reported in 75% of non-controlled studies and 62.1% of controlled studies, supporting the effectiveness of DHIs.
  • All 12 studies assessing long-term effects of DHIs confirmed sustained psychological benefits.
  • Further research is needed to focus on parents' psychological health and emotional regulation, explore advanced technologies, incorporate positive psychological strategies, and assess both short- and long-term outcomes in order to maximize the potential of DHIs in ASD-related care.

Statistics:

  • 75% of non-controlled studies and 62.1% of controlled studies reported significant improvements in psychological health outcomes when using DHIs.
  • 54.7% of the total 53 studies originated from the United States.
  • 13.2% of the studies originated from China.
  • 27 studies focused on parental skill training and support.
  • 15 studies focused on managing children's problem behavior and health.
  • 11 studies focused on parental psychological health and emotional regulation.
  • Zoom was the most frequently used platform in the studies (n = 16).
  • 37 studies assessed the variable of stress.
  • All 12 studies assessing long-term effects of DHIs confirmed sustained psychological benefits.

Sources:

  • Digital health interventions targeting psychological health in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review. BMC Psychology, 2025;13(1):1128.
  • Yale University Reports Findings in Telemedicine (Digital health interventions targeting psychological health in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. October 25, 2025; p 1336.