A recent study has conducted the first-ever review of mobile apps and digital resources aimed at supporting children with neurodevelopmental concerns. 

Here's what was found: 

‍Key Findings

• Most of these resources target conditions like autism, language/communication delays, and ADHD.
• Many tools aim to support behavioral challenges, speech development, assistive communication, and provide parenting strategies.
• While the tools were engaging and user-friendly, the quality of information—in terms of credibility and evidence—was often lacking.

What's the Problem? 

The lack of a strong evidence base makes it hard to recommend which apps and digital tools will truly benefit children and their families. The need for robust frameworks to guide development is urgent, as these digital solutions could play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in support for children with developmental needs. This is why at PlaySpace we are focused on our research mission to collaborate with highly credible partners, to contribute to the literature and make play therapy more evidence-based.

Find the article here (Published January 2025)

Moving Forward

To unlock the full potential of digital health tools, we need a collaborative effort among software developers, researchers, clinicians, and families to create and validate these tools, ensuring they can be trusted to improve outcomes in children’s neurodevelopment.

This is an exciting, yet challenging space, and it’s clear that more work is needed to ensure the digital tools available are evidence-based and truly effective.

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