New Technologies to Support People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Selective Review

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disorders represent a cluster of conditions first diagnosed during childhood or adolescence (i.e., including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, motor deficits, and communication deficits). The main characteristic of neurodevelopmental disorders is the presence of a deficit or a delay in the acquisition of skills that may affect different areas of evolution (e.g., cognitive, affective, and motor). These clinical conditions make the child or adolescent passive, isolated, and unable to carry out daily activities. Additionally, challenging behaviors and emotional disruption may be acknowledged. Accordingly, negative outcomes on personal well-being may be recognized. To enhance the well-being of those persons, assistive technology-based interventions (AT) may be useful. Among the new assistive technology are virtual reality, telemedicine, telerehabilitation, serious games, computer-brain interface, and other new technologies aimed at specific rehabilitation objectives. This document aims to give the reader a framework of reference to the literature on the most recent contributions available on the technology-based programs used to improve the well-being of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as: serious games, virtual reality, wearable technologies, and telerehabilitation. The results were argued and several options were outlined. The studies reviewed on the eight classes of new technologies showed the accessibility, effectiveness, and suitability of the implemented technologies to enable adaptive skills for participants with NDD. Some helpful solutions for both future research and practice have been evidenced.