A Review of Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with challenges in social communication and interaction as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. Students with ASD often prefer to engage with technology because of its predictability and limit...

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Main Authors: Sofia Kotsi, Spyridoula Handrinou, Georgia Iatraki, Spyridon-Georgios Soulis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Disabilities
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7272/5/1/7
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author Sofia Kotsi
Spyridoula Handrinou
Georgia Iatraki
Spyridon-Georgios Soulis
author_facet Sofia Kotsi
Spyridoula Handrinou
Georgia Iatraki
Spyridon-Georgios Soulis
author_sort Sofia Kotsi
collection DOAJ
description Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with challenges in social communication and interaction as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. Students with ASD often prefer to engage with technology because of its predictability and limited social demands. In recent years, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has gained considerable attention. The present study aims to reveal the research trends regarding the design and development of AI teaching interventions in special education, especially for students with ASD, who often face significant challenges in academic, cognitive, and social domains. A search of the research literature from 2018 to 2024 in three electronic databases identified 1762 records. After applying eligibility criteria, 13 empirical studies were finally included, which were coded and analyzed in detail. The results demonstrated the potential of AI technology in supporting students with ASD in their learning, while also identifying gaps that warrant further investigation. This article concludes with future considerations for how AI could support students with ASD, emphasizing there are still gaps in the research, particularly in terms of long-term effectiveness and the standardization of methodologies for AI-based educational practices.
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series Disabilities
spelling doaj-art-7cc1f21673bc4f9898c33901ea3c388f2025-08-20T02:42:40ZengMDPI AGDisabilities2673-72722025-01-0151710.3390/disabilities5010007A Review of Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum DisorderSofia Kotsi0Spyridoula Handrinou1Georgia Iatraki2Spyridon-Georgios Soulis3Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, GreeceDepartment of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, GreeceDepartment of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, GreeceDepartment of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, GreeceAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with challenges in social communication and interaction as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. Students with ASD often prefer to engage with technology because of its predictability and limited social demands. In recent years, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has gained considerable attention. The present study aims to reveal the research trends regarding the design and development of AI teaching interventions in special education, especially for students with ASD, who often face significant challenges in academic, cognitive, and social domains. A search of the research literature from 2018 to 2024 in three electronic databases identified 1762 records. After applying eligibility criteria, 13 empirical studies were finally included, which were coded and analyzed in detail. The results demonstrated the potential of AI technology in supporting students with ASD in their learning, while also identifying gaps that warrant further investigation. This article concludes with future considerations for how AI could support students with ASD, emphasizing there are still gaps in the research, particularly in terms of long-term effectiveness and the standardization of methodologies for AI-based educational practices.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7272/5/1/7artificial intelligence (AI)Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)educationintervention
spellingShingle Sofia Kotsi
Spyridoula Handrinou
Georgia Iatraki
Spyridon-Georgios Soulis
A Review of Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Disabilities
artificial intelligence (AI)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
education
intervention
title A Review of Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_full A Review of Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_fullStr A Review of Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_full_unstemmed A Review of Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_short A Review of Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_sort review of artificial intelligence interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder
topic artificial intelligence (AI)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
education
intervention
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7272/5/1/7
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