This snapshot focuses on supporting children younger than 9 years old with assistive technology who have:

• physical or intellectual disability or developmental delay
• goals focused on communication, mobility, and participation.

Assistive technology can be any equipment, device, product or software that:

• helps children to do things more easily and safely
• allows them to explore their environment, build independence and enhance socialisation 
• improves the quality of life for children, their families and carers. 

Researchers undertook a systematic search of published literature databases to identify systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, scoping reviews or evidence-based guidelines.

The systematic search identified 34 reviews to include in the evidence snapshot.

• Fourteen reviews looked at the effectiveness of assistive technology for communication and language.
• Fifteen reviews included assistive technology to assist movement and improve overall mobility. 
• Five reviews explored supports for comfort and independence at home.

This snapshot talks about:

• the importance of early assistive technology intervention
• the effectiveness of assistive technology for:
  • communication and language
  •  mobility
  • at home and in the community
• the limits of available research and identifies areas for future research.