Evaluating the Efficacy of Digital Therapeutics and Virtual Reality Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and behavioral rigidity. Traditional intervention paradigms, while foundational, often lack scalability, personalization, and cross-contextual generalizability. Recent advancements in digital health technologies— particularly Digital Therapeutics (DTx) and Virtual Reality (VR)—offer novel, computationally intelligent modalities for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in ASD populations. This review synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy, mechanisms, and clinical utility of DTx and VR in ASD treatment, with a focus on cognitive remediation, social-emotional learning, and adaptive behavior acquisition. DTx systems, delivered through mobile or web-based platforms, utilize algorithmic feedback loops, gamification mechanics, and behavioral analytics to support executive functioning and affective regulation. VR-based interventions, conversely, leverage immersive, multisensory simulations to replicate ecologically valid social scenarios, enabling targeted neurocognitive engagement. Comparative analyses reveal that while DTx offers scalability and high compliance, VR excels in embodied learning and social transferability. Hybrid therapeutic models integrating both modalities demonstrate enhanced adaptability and therapeutic efficacy through multimodal input fusion and real-time personalization. Despite promising outcomes, the field is constrained by gaps in longitudinal validation, standardization of outcome metrics, and ethical governance related to biometric data collection and algorithmic transparency. Future research must prioritize largescale trials, AI-driven personalization engines, and cloud-based telehealth infrastructure. Additionally, interdisciplinary policy frameworks are imperative to ensure regulatory compliance, equitable access, and neurodevelopmentally appropriate content
delivery. This review highlights the transformative potential of DTx and VR in advancing ASD care and advocates for their integration into evidence-based, digitally augmented treatment ecosystems.