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Neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism affect approximately 1 in 10 children, impacting their development, behavior, and overall well-being. For many families, the road to finding appropriate support can be a challenge, with long wait times for healthcare providers and limited access to services.
In response to these gaps, digital tools like apps and websites have emerged as potential solutions. With a simple download or click, families may find resources that could support their child’s needs. However, not all digital resources are created equal. In our recent study, we assessed the quality of freely available resources for child neurodevelopment and mental health to understand how effective they truly are.
A Vast Landscape, but Limited Evidence
Our study reviewed 3,435 digital resources, with 112 meeting our criteria for evaluation—43 apps and 69 websites. These resources, all freely available and in English, claimed to offer support for children’s neurodevelopment, mental health, and well-being. Common topics included autism (17% of resources), language and communication (14%), and ADHD (10%).
Most of these digital tools were designed to help with a range of needs, from providing advice and journaling prompts to offering structured activities and strategies for parents. Many resources also aimed to support alternative communication for children with language challenges.
Despite their broad reach and accessibility, we found that while these resources were functional and engaging, they often lacked solid evidence supporting their claims. In fact, 37% of the apps reviewed did not meet the minimum standards for information quality, leaving many of them unfit for recommendation.
What Makes a Good Digital Resource?
The study highlights a critical question: How can parents distinguish high-quality digital tools from those that may fall short?
- Credibility and Accuracy: Look for resources developed by health institutions, universities, or government bodies. One highly rated app, Raising Healthy Minds, developed in collaboration with a university and hospital, provides credible information based on scientific research.
- Source Transparency: Ensure the information is factually correct and traceable to reputable sources. The credibility of the author is paramount—are they qualified and accountable to a regulatory body like AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency)?
- Consistency and Updates: A high-quality app should align with information from multiple credible sources and be updated regularly to reflect the latest research and findings.
- Scientific Backing: Beware of testimonials and anecdotal evidence that lack a strong scientific foundation. Apps and websites that claim to work wonders without substantial evidence should be approached with caution.
The Role of Digital Tools in Supporting Care
Digital tools should not be viewed as replacements for healthcare professionals but rather as complementary resources. They can help prepare for meetings with healthcare providers, track daily behavior like sleep patterns, and even collect valuable data for clinical care. Some tools, like wearable devices that measure sleep through actigraphy, provide valuable insights that can support treatment plans.
As digital health tools evolve, there is growing potential for innovations driven by artificial intelligence to further enhance support for children with neurodevelopmental conditions. However, the field needs more investment in evaluating these resources to ensure they truly benefit families.
Final Thoughts
While digital tools have the potential to enhance support for children with autism and ADHD, their current efficacy remains unclear. It is crucial for families to assess the credibility, evidence base, and functionality of these tools before relying on them. Until systems are put in place to fund and evaluate these resources thoroughly, digital tools will remain a valuable supplement but not a substitute for professional care.
For families navigating neurodevelopmental challenges, digital resources can offer assistance—just make sure to do your research and prioritize quality over convenience.
Provided by The Conversation
