Abilitazione e Tele-abilitazione Home-based per i Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico: il progetto ATHENA

This article describes guidelines for the project "Home-based therapy and Tele-treatment for Autistic Spectrum disorder" (ATHENA). The main objective of the project is to provide psychoeducational treatment to children as young as 12-48 months with autism spectrum disorders or a pattern of development that shows risks for developing autism. The treatment model is inspired by the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). The intervention program is divided in three parts: one that takes place at the outpatient clinic, another that occurs in the child's home, and another telehealth part that is mediated by the parents. The activities included in the study are part of an agreement between the Institute of Tecnologie Didattiche of Consiglio Nazionale Ricerche and the Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale of Trapani. The project consists of low-intensity tele-treatment where the activities and therapy take place in the child's natural environment. The use of technology in this project aims to encourage the empowerment of the family and is thought to promote treatment sustainability as well as reduce costs and stress that would occur if the child were to be taken to clinics. The use of telehealth in neurodevelopmental disorders has significantly increased in recent years in all areas where a reliable internet connection enables contact with patients in rural and isolated areas or where a home-based therapy is more appropriate.