Early diagnosis and intervention can reduce cost of lifelong care by 2/3. [11] Unfortunately cost of intensive early intervention is very high (ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 per year). Therefore, many healthcare insurers, state and local programs are reluctant to pay, making it very difficult for families of autistic children to obtain these essential services. [12]
The sharp rise in the number of children diagnosed with ASD has strained the limited, labor-intensive behavioral therapy resources, and many children face considerable delays in obtaining these much-needed interventions. [13]
The high demand for in-person therapeutic autism services combined with recent technological advances have led to a rapid increase in attempts to deliver interventions through digital modalities. [14]
Children with ASD have been shown to have a strong preference for electronic media [15] and game-like elements. [16]
Children with ASD may be particularly receptive to digital therapeutic interventions. [17, 18]
