Investigation into the Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special Education: A Literature Review

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in special education has the potential to transform learning experiences and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. This systematic literature review examines the application of AI technologies in special education, focusing on personalized l...

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Main Authors: Esraa Hussein, Menatalla Hussein, Maha Al-Hendawi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Social Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/5/288
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author Esraa Hussein
Menatalla Hussein
Maha Al-Hendawi
author_facet Esraa Hussein
Menatalla Hussein
Maha Al-Hendawi
author_sort Esraa Hussein
collection DOAJ
description The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in special education has the potential to transform learning experiences and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. This systematic literature review examines the application of AI technologies in special education, focusing on personalized learning, cognitive and behavioral interventions, communication, emotional support, and physical independence. Through an analysis of 15 studies conducted between 2019 and 2024, the review synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of AI tools, including intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, assistive communication devices, and robotic aids. The findings suggest that AI-driven technologies significantly enhance students’ academic performance, communication skills, emotional regulation, and physical mobility by providing tailored interventions that address individual needs. This review also highlights several challenges, including limited access to AI technologies in low-resource settings, the need for more comprehensive teacher training, and ethical concerns related to data privacy and algorithmic bias. Additionally, the geographic focus of the current research is primarily on developed countries, overlooking the specific challenges of implementing AI in resource-constrained environments. This review emphasizes the need for more diverse and ethical research to fully realize the potential of AI in supporting students with disabilities and promoting inclusive education.
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spelling doaj-art-de9cd5c9d59f4878bc2c47131ef379fc2025-08-20T03:47:57ZengMDPI AGSocial Sciences2076-07602025-05-0114528810.3390/socsci14050288Investigation into the Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special Education: A Literature ReviewEsraa Hussein0Menatalla Hussein1Maha Al-Hendawi2Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, QatarDepartment of Psychological Sciences, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, QatarDepartment of Psychological Sciences, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, QatarThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in special education has the potential to transform learning experiences and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. This systematic literature review examines the application of AI technologies in special education, focusing on personalized learning, cognitive and behavioral interventions, communication, emotional support, and physical independence. Through an analysis of 15 studies conducted between 2019 and 2024, the review synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of AI tools, including intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, assistive communication devices, and robotic aids. The findings suggest that AI-driven technologies significantly enhance students’ academic performance, communication skills, emotional regulation, and physical mobility by providing tailored interventions that address individual needs. This review also highlights several challenges, including limited access to AI technologies in low-resource settings, the need for more comprehensive teacher training, and ethical concerns related to data privacy and algorithmic bias. Additionally, the geographic focus of the current research is primarily on developed countries, overlooking the specific challenges of implementing AI in resource-constrained environments. This review emphasizes the need for more diverse and ethical research to fully realize the potential of AI in supporting students with disabilities and promoting inclusive education.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/5/288artificial intelligence (AI)special educationpersonalized learningassistive technologiesinclusive education
spellingShingle Esraa Hussein
Menatalla Hussein
Maha Al-Hendawi
Investigation into the Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special Education: A Literature Review
Social Sciences
artificial intelligence (AI)
special education
personalized learning
assistive technologies
inclusive education
title Investigation into the Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special Education: A Literature Review
title_full Investigation into the Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special Education: A Literature Review
title_fullStr Investigation into the Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special Education: A Literature Review
title_full_unstemmed Investigation into the Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special Education: A Literature Review
title_short Investigation into the Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special Education: A Literature Review
title_sort investigation into the applications of artificial intelligence ai in special education a literature review
topic artificial intelligence (AI)
special education
personalized learning
assistive technologies
inclusive education
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/5/288
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AT mahaalhendawi investigationintotheapplicationsofartificialintelligenceaiinspecialeducationaliteraturereview