Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic Review
BackgroundAutism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social cognition and heterogeneity of executive function which are suggested to be underpinned by neurobiological, prenatal and genetic factors. Cognitive remediation (CR) interventi...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2020-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00722/full |
| _version_ | 1818278173712842752 |
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| author | Yasemin Dandil Katherine Smith Emma Kinnaird Cindy Toloza Kate Tchanturia Kate Tchanturia Kate Tchanturia |
| author_facet | Yasemin Dandil Katherine Smith Emma Kinnaird Cindy Toloza Kate Tchanturia Kate Tchanturia Kate Tchanturia |
| author_sort | Yasemin Dandil |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundAutism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social cognition and heterogeneity of executive function which are suggested to be underpinned by neurobiological, prenatal and genetic factors. Cognitive remediation (CR) interventions are frequently used to address cognitive characteristics and improve cognitive and general functioning. However, the evidence is limited for ASC. This systematic review is the first to provide a narrative synthesis of all studies of CR interventions and ASC. The review aimed to delineate the development of research in this area in both adolescents and adults, with implications for clinical practice and future research.MethodThe review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) statement. The literature was reviewed using the PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase from inception to 1st April 2020. Out of 1,503 publications, a total of 13 papers were identified as being relevant for the review.ResultsThe 13 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were: four randomized control trials (RCTs); two non-randomized control trials, four case series, two feasibility studies and one case study. A narrative synthesis of the data suggested that CR interventions are potentially effective in improving social cognition and cognitive functioning in ASC. RCTs supported the efficacy of CR interventions in improving social cognition and executive functioning. Non-randomized control trials provided evidence for the effectiveness of social cognition remediation interventions in ASC. Case series and a case study have also supported the feasibility of CR interventions, including reflections on their adaptation for ASC populations and the positive feedback from participants.ConclusionsCR interventions are potentially effective in improving social cognition and cognitive functioning in ASC. However, the generalizability of the included empirical studies was hampered by several methodological limitations. To further strengthen understandings of the effectiveness of CR interventions for ASC, future RCTs are needed with larger sample sizes in exploring the long-term effectiveness of CR interventions, using age-appropriate valid and reliable outcome measures. They should also consider the heterogeneity in neuropsychological functioning in ASC and the mediating and moderating mechanisms of the CR intervention for ASC. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-12T23:13:14Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-dc1d2d1853774e278e2943842d5bad55 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1664-0640 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-12T23:13:14Z |
| publishDate | 2020-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
| spelling | doaj.art-dc1d2d1853774e278e2943842d5bad552022-12-22T00:08:33ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychiatry1664-06402020-07-011110.3389/fpsyt.2020.00722556170Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic ReviewYasemin Dandil0Katherine Smith1Emma Kinnaird2Cindy Toloza3Kate Tchanturia4Kate Tchanturia5Kate Tchanturia6Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United KingdomDepartment of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United KingdomDepartment of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United KingdomDepartment of Psychology, National Eating Disorder Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United KingdomDepartment of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United KingdomDepartment of Psychology, National Eating Disorder Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United KingdomDepartment of Psychology, Illia State University, Tbilisi, GeorgiaBackgroundAutism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social cognition and heterogeneity of executive function which are suggested to be underpinned by neurobiological, prenatal and genetic factors. Cognitive remediation (CR) interventions are frequently used to address cognitive characteristics and improve cognitive and general functioning. However, the evidence is limited for ASC. This systematic review is the first to provide a narrative synthesis of all studies of CR interventions and ASC. The review aimed to delineate the development of research in this area in both adolescents and adults, with implications for clinical practice and future research.MethodThe review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) statement. The literature was reviewed using the PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase from inception to 1st April 2020. Out of 1,503 publications, a total of 13 papers were identified as being relevant for the review.ResultsThe 13 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were: four randomized control trials (RCTs); two non-randomized control trials, four case series, two feasibility studies and one case study. A narrative synthesis of the data suggested that CR interventions are potentially effective in improving social cognition and cognitive functioning in ASC. RCTs supported the efficacy of CR interventions in improving social cognition and executive functioning. Non-randomized control trials provided evidence for the effectiveness of social cognition remediation interventions in ASC. Case series and a case study have also supported the feasibility of CR interventions, including reflections on their adaptation for ASC populations and the positive feedback from participants.ConclusionsCR interventions are potentially effective in improving social cognition and cognitive functioning in ASC. However, the generalizability of the included empirical studies was hampered by several methodological limitations. To further strengthen understandings of the effectiveness of CR interventions for ASC, future RCTs are needed with larger sample sizes in exploring the long-term effectiveness of CR interventions, using age-appropriate valid and reliable outcome measures. They should also consider the heterogeneity in neuropsychological functioning in ASC and the mediating and moderating mechanisms of the CR intervention for ASC.https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00722/fullautismcognitive remediationinterventionstherapycognitive trainingsocial cognition |
| spellingShingle | Yasemin Dandil Katherine Smith Emma Kinnaird Cindy Toloza Kate Tchanturia Kate Tchanturia Kate Tchanturia Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic Review Frontiers in Psychiatry autism cognitive remediation interventions therapy cognitive training social cognition |
| title | Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic Review |
| title_full | Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic Review |
| title_fullStr | Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic Review |
| title_short | Cognitive Remediation Interventions in Autism Spectrum Condition: A Systematic Review |
| title_sort | cognitive remediation interventions in autism spectrum condition a systematic review |
| topic | autism cognitive remediation interventions therapy cognitive training social cognition |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00722/full |
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