Trial findings: iPad intervention in autism
Nov 2015: The findings of the Click-East trial led by Dr Sue Fletcher-Watson show that the use of an iPad app is popular among children with autism, but does not improve social communication skills.
CCBS Chancellor's Fellow Dr Sue Fletcher-Watson has published the findings of a clinical trial called Click-East.
This study evaluated a technology-based early intervention for social communication skills in 54 pre-schoolers with a diagnosis of autism.
The app engaged children, who played consistently regardless of developmental level, and was rated highly by parents. However, it did not improve real-world social communication skills as rated by parents.
The positive attitudes to this low-cost and harm-free intervention suggest that it is worth exploring further, perhaps targeting other skills.