Critical Evaluation Of Intervention Modalities In Autism: A Study Of Digital Tools And Conventional Therapies

In this article we critically assess the primary intervention approaches for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), comparing the efficacy of digital applications with conventional therapies. The analysis focuses on the impact of both approaches, focusing on the development of self-care and social interaction skills. It also analyzes how conventional therapies are based on human interaction and cannot be substituted due to their socio-emotional nature, as well as their generalization to natural contexts. However, they face challenges related to cost and accessibility. On the other hand, mobile applications offer intensive practice, personalization, and task structures, but are somewhat limited by their abstraction from the real world and their lack of empirical validation. This article argues that the future of intervention is not a substitution of one or the other, but rather a hybrid model that combines both therapies is recommended. Therefore, it is conveyed that technologies enhance face-to-face intervention; therefore, the implications for practice, responsible technological development, and future research are discussed.