ELearning Sensory Approaches Used by Caregivers of People with Developmental Disorders: a Rapid Review

Purpose of Review: Developmental disorders affect approximately 53 million children under the age of 5 worldwide with many experiencing difficulties with modulating sensory stimuli. Caregiver skills training for families and caregivers is a preferred treatment approach for those experiencing developmental disability. However, since the advent of COVID 19 providing caregiver training online (eLearning) has become the preferred option. Despite the increase in usage of eLearning, its efficacy for caregivers who use sensory approaches has not been fully investigated. This study reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness of eLearning sensory approaches used by caregivers of people with developmental disorders from published peer-reviewed literature using Cochrane’s rapid review methodology. Recent Findings: The initial search yielded 3101 articles after which 35 articles were included for full text review. We inferred from the reviewed full texts that the common barriers were lack of internet connectivity, lack of skills to use the technology, lack of finances to purchase the equipment, negative perceptions on safety and confidentiality. The facilitators were flexible session timings, decreased costs, decreased anxiety, increased patient comfort, increased safety from infection, and reduced logistic burden. However, no studies were found that met all the criteria for our review. Summary: These findings suggest that there is a lack of published literature on eLearning initiatives involving caregivers wanting to use or are using sensory approaches with individuals with developmental disabilities. More primary research studies in this area are needed.