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Computer-assisted cognitive training shows mixed results for working memory in children with developmental disorders.

Computer-assisted cognitive training shows mixed results for working memory in children with develop…
Photo by National Cancer Institute / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Note heterogeneous CCT efficacy in developmental disorders; avoid broad claims.

A scoping review and meta-analysis examined computer-assisted cognitive training (CCT) in children with developmental disorders. The review included 22 studies describing 21 devices, covering populations with ADHD, learning-related developmental conditions, intellectual developmental conditions, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary outcome was not reported, while secondary outcomes focused on working memory and executive-function measures. CCT was compared against mock training.

Results indicated that improvements in working memory and selected executive-function outcomes were reported in some programs. However, specific effect sizes, absolute numbers, and statistical significance were not reported for these improvements. In studies specifically addressing ASD, CCT did not demonstrate superiority over mock training. No adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or tolerability data were reported in the review.

The evidence base was characterized by heterogeneity across diagnoses, intervention architectures, comparators, and outcome measures. Evidence regarding learning-related and intellectual developmental conditions was particularly variable and device-specific. The single ASD study identified failed to show superiority over the control condition. Funding sources and conflicts of interest were not reported.

CCT appears clinically attractive due to its adaptability, gamified delivery, and potential for home-based use. However, the current evidence is uneven and does not support broad efficacy claims across developmental disorders. Clinicians should interpret findings with caution given the lack of standardized reporting and the variable nature of the included studies.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundComputerized cognitive training (CCT) is increasingly used in pediatric rehabilitation; however, its application across developmental disorders remains heterogeneous in terms of targets, delivery models, and outcomes. This scoping review aimed to map the currently available CCT tools used in children with developmental disorders and to summarize their main characteristics, clinical targets, and evidence gaps.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR framework and registered the protocol on the Open Science Framework (OSF; DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/9XQ5H). We searched peer-reviewed studies investigating CCT in children with developmental disorders and extracted data on device characteristics, target domains, training modalities, study design, and main findings.ResultsTwenty-two studies describing 21 devices were included. Evidence was heterogeneous across diagnoses, intervention architectures, comparators, and outcome measures. The most consistent signal emerged in ADHD, where some programs reported improvements in working memory and selected executive-function outcomes. Evidence in learning-related and intellectual developmental conditions was more variable and device-specific, while the only ASD study identified did not show superiority over mock training.DiscussionCCT appears clinically attractive because of its adaptability, gamified delivery, and potential for home-based use; however, the current evidence base is uneven and does not support broad efficacy claims across developmental disorders. More disorder-specific studies with stronger comparators and ecologically valid outcomes are needed.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://osf.io/9xq5h, doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/9XQ5H.
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