Assistive devices for mobility and communication in autism spectrum disorder: A retrospective cross-sectional cohort study on disability management
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Assistive devices are crucial for supporting communication and mobility for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
AIM: To investigate the provision of assistive devices for children and adolescents with ASD in a metropolitan area of Southern Italy, with specific focus on communication and mobility aids.
METHODS: The study analysed specialist prescriptions to evaluate age distribution and device allocation in different healthcare districts, the specialty of the prescribing physicians, and integration with rehabilitation services.
RESULTS: A total of 120 prescriptions were analysed, and the peak prescription rates occurred at the ages 7 years and 10 years. Child neurologists predominantly prescribed communication aids (P = 0.009), while physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists managed most mobility-related devices (P = 0.29). Device allocation was guided by functional needs rather than age (P = 0.73 for communication aids, P = 0.45 for wheelchairs, and P = 0.37 for gait aids, such as orthosis or insoles. Rehabilitation services, including home care and residential programs, were frequently integrated with device provision.
CONCLUSION: This study provides one of the few evaluations of assistive device prescription patterns for children and adolescents with ASD, which are important for both holistic care and healthcare resource management. Further studies are warranted to establish standardized prescribing protocols and whether expanding prescriber training or implementing interdisciplinary pathways could improve equitable access without compromising quality.
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BibTeX
@article{chiaramonte2026assistive,
title = {{Assistive devices for mobility and communication in autism spectrum disorder: A retrospective cross-sectional cohort study on disability management}},
author = {Rita Chiaramonte and Matteo Cioni and Michele Vecchio and Francesco Leonforte and Antonio Mistretta and Giuseppe Laganga Senzio and Tamara Civello},
journal = {World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.5409/wjcp.120813},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.120813},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Assistive devices for mobility and communication in autism spectrum disorder: A retrospective cross-sectional cohort study on disability management
AU - Rita Chiaramonte
AU - Matteo Cioni
AU - Michele Vecchio
AU - Francesco Leonforte
AU - Antonio Mistretta
AU - Giuseppe Laganga Senzio
AU - Tamara Civello
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/03
JO - World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
DO - 10.5409/wjcp.120813
UR - https://doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.120813
AB - BACKGROUND: Assistive devices are crucial for supporting communication and mobility for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). AIM: To investigate the provision of assistive devices for children and adolescents with ASD in a metropolitan area of Southern Italy, with specific focus on communication and mobility aids. METHODS: The study analysed specialist prescriptions to evaluate age distribution and device allocation in different healthcare districts, the specialty of the prescribing physicians, and integration with rehabilitation services. RESULTS: A total of 120 prescriptions were analysed, and the peak prescription rates occurred at the ages 7 years and 10 years. Child neurologists predominantly prescribed communication aids (P = 0.009), while physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists managed most mobility-related devices (P = 0.29). Device allocation was guided by functional needs rather than age (P = 0.73 for communication aids, P = 0.45 for wheelchairs, and P = 0.37 for gait aids, such as orthosis or insoles. Rehabilitation services, including home care and residential programs, were frequently integrated with device provision. CONCLUSION: This study provides one of the few evaluations of assistive device prescription patterns for children and adolescents with ASD, which are important for both holistic care and healthcare resource management. Further studies are warranted to establish standardized prescribing protocols and whether expanding prescriber training or implementing interdisciplinary pathways could improve equitable access without compromising quality.
SN - 2219-2808
ER -