Understanding Neurodevelopmental Conditions
If you’re a parent of a child with autism or ADHD, you know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the right support. Long waitlists, limited healthcare access, and conflicting advice can make the journey overwhelming. In today’s digital world, apps and websites promise to bridge these gaps, offering guidance, structure, and even therapeutic support at the touch of a button. But with so many options available, how do you know which ones are actually helpful?
Evaluating Digital Resources
A recent study set out to assess digital tools designed to support child neurodevelopment and mental health. The findings? While many apps and websites were engaging and easy to use, a significant number lacked scientific backing for their claims of effectiveness.
This is a common issue in digital health—where high expectations don’t always align with reality. Many apps are developed quickly and launched without proper evaluation, leaving parents to navigate a sea of well-marketed but unproven tools.
This blog is inspired by an article originally published in The Conversation by Kelsie Boulton and Adam Guastella, which examined the accessibility and effectiveness of digital tools for children with neurodevelopmental conditions (Original Article).
Types of Resources Available
Researchers analyzed 3,435 digital resources, narrowing them down to 112 (43 apps and 69 websites) that met specific review criteria. These tools focused on different areas:
- Autism (17%): Strategies for speech, language, social development, and behavior management.
- Language and communication (14%)
- ADHD (10%)
Some resources helped with journaling and scheduling, while others offered assistive communication tools. A few even used gamified learning, where children engaged with interactive exercises designed to build cognitive and social skills.
Accessibility and Engagement
One of the biggest positives? Most apps and websites were visually appealing, easy to navigate, and engaging. Many incorporated interactive elements like videos, quizzes, and structured modules to keep children and parents engaged. But while a tool might be easy to use, that doesn’t always mean it’s effective.
The Problem with Information Quality
Each resource was rated from 1 (inadequate) to 5 (excellent), with 3 being the minimum acceptable standard. Despite their usability, 37% of apps did not meet acceptable quality standards for information. Websites generally performed better in this area.
Another issue was the lack of scientific evidence supporting these tools. While a high number of downloads might suggest popularity, it doesn’t guarantee real-world benefits. Additionally, many apps lacked transparency in their data collection and privacy policies, raising concerns about how user information is handled.
How to Identify High-Quality Resources
So, what should you look for in an app or website? The best digital tools are developed in collaboration with experts—universities, healthcare institutions, or government bodies. One highly rated example is the Raising Children Network and its associated app, Raising Healthy Minds. These resources provide research-backed guidance on child development and neurodevelopmental needs.
What to Look For:
- Credibility: Ensure the app is backed by qualified professionals who are accountable to a regulatory body (such as AHPRA in Australia).
- Consistency: Information should align with reputable sources, such as healthcare institutions and scientific research.
- Supporting Evidence: Look for links to peer-reviewed studies and reputable organizations.
- Frequent Updates: Apps should be regularly updated, and websites should display their last update date.
- Data Privacy: Make sure the tool follows strict privacy guidelines and clearly states how your data is used.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When considering a digital resource, be cautious of:
- Anecdotal testimonials without scientific backing.
- Hidden conflicts of interest, where organizations might gain financially from user engagement.
- High app ratings that don’t necessarily mean the content is accurate or helpful.
- Unclear data policies, which could mean your child’s information is being used in ways you’re not aware of.
The Role of Digital Tools in Care
While no app or website can replace a healthcare professional, digital tools can still play a valuable role. They can help parents prepare for medical appointments, provide strategies for managing daily routines, and even collect behavioral data (such as sleep patterns) to share with clinicians. Wearable technology, for example, is increasingly being used to track activity levels and sleep behaviors in children with autism and ADHD.
Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to shape the future of digital health. AI-driven apps can analyze behavior patterns, offer personalized recommendations, and adapt learning strategies to meet the unique needs of each child. However, these innovations still require careful evaluation before they become mainstream tools for support.
The Need for Better Digital Health Evaluation
The world of digital health is evolving rapidly, but there’s still a gap between development and real-world effectiveness. Many tools make ambitious claims without rigorous testing. To ensure families truly benefit from these resources, there needs to be a stronger focus on research, funding, and evaluation.
For parents, the key takeaway is to choose wisely. Look for apps and websites that are credible, transparent, and backed by science. By making informed choices, you can leverage digital tools to support—not replace—the care your child needs.
References
- Boulton, K., & Guastella, A. (2025). Can apps and digital resources support your child with autism or ADHD? Here’s what to look for. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.
- Lord, C., Elsabbagh, M., Baird, G., & Veenstra-VanderWeele, J. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder. The Lancet, 392(10146), 508-520.
- Masi, A., DeMayo, M. M., Glozier, N., & Guastella, A. J. (2017). An overview of autism spectrum disorder, heterogeneity and treatment options. Neuroscience Bulletin, 33, 183-193.
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). (2023). Guidelines for health information providers. Retrieved from www.ahpra.gov.au
- Raising Children Network. (2024). Raising Healthy Minds app. Retrieved from www.raisingchildren.net.au
Written by: CL Hub Team.