Purpose of Technology

Sensory-based interventions for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) are designed to improve abnormalities in sensory processing and sensory integration that are prevalent in these complex disorders, and ultimately improve cognitive, behavioral, and social functioning of autistic individuals. Different types of sensory-based treatments include, but are not limited to, auditory integration training (AIT), sound therapy, sensory integration therapy/training (SIT), use of a weighted vest, and music therapy.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• Do sensory-based treatments enable individuals with ASDs to make significant gains in cognitive, behavioral, social, and academic skills?
• Are sensory-based treatments safe?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for sensory-based treatments for ASDs?

These questions provide a framework for review and synthesis of the best available evidence, which is presented in this report, along with the Hayes Ratings for the technology. This report also provides background information about the condition being treated, a description of the technology, and the context for development of the technology. Other key elements addressed in the report include the regulatory status; applicable Medicare and commercial payer coverage policies; relevant ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes; cost and cost effectiveness; credentialing; hospital length of stay; need for large case management; and ongoing and future clinical trials of the technology.

Posted in Directory Reports
This entry was posted on Monday, May 9th, 2011 at 12:00 pm.