Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Empathic Abilities of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Literature with Meta-Analysis

To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on empathic abilities of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus were searched. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis involving randomized controlled trials was performed. Twenty-seven studies were selected. There´s a prevalence of group interventions based in explicit learning. Meta-analysis showed the effectiveness of the interventions (explicit learning:0.42, PEERS:0.60, dance movement therapy:0.36). Implicit learning and technology-based interventions require greater methodological robustness. Interventions improving empathic abilities in ASD, which has relevance, considering that these abilities are associated with better social adaptation and quality of life. These findings must be interpreted with caution when generalized considering the methodological limitations highlighted.