Task-Specific Training in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Authors

Mariana Rodrigues Costa, Lidiane Francisca Borges Ferreira, Amanda Cristina Fernandes, Deisiane Oliveira Souto, Hércules Ribeiro Leite, Ricardo Rodrigues de Sousa Junior

Published in

Pediatric physical therapy : the official publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association. Sep 28, 2026. Epub Sep 28, 2026.

Abstract

This systematic review examines the efficacy of task-specific training for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A search for randomized controlled trials was conducted in relevant databases. Risk of bias was assessed using the risk-of-bias tool scale, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses. Four studies were included. Task-specific training improved gross motor skills and body functions such as agility, coordination, strength, and balance in children with ASD. However, the level of evidence remains very low to low due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations.
Although task-specific training may benefit children with ASD, the evidence base is weak. Further high-quality studies are needed to replicate these findings and determine the optimal dosage.
Clinicians should use task-specific training cautiously due to its level of evidence. Future research should prioritize well-designed randomized controlled trial with larger sample sizes.

PMID:
42804745
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 29 Sep 2026.

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