Eye-tracking technology applications for supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder: insights, challenges, and opportunities.

Researchers reviewed 170 studies about using eye-tracking technology to help people with autism. Eye-tracking measures where people look and how their eyes move. The review found that this technology shows promise for understanding autism better and potentially helping with support. However, the technology can be complex to use. The researchers identified what works well and suggested directions for future research.

This comprehensive review examined 170 studies on eye-tracking technology applications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) support. The research explored three key areas: major research directions, technology applications, and relationships between ASD-related impairments and eye movement measures. The analysis revealed sustained research interest in using eye-tracking for autism studies, with diverse research directions being explored. The review examined data collection and analysis methodologies to identify best practices and considerations for researchers.

While highlighting current achievements in the field, the authors acknowledged existing limitations and proposed promising future directions for continued eye-tracking use in ASD research, particularly relevant for psychology and special education fields.

Eye-tracking technology shows potential for supporting individuals with ASD by examining cognitive and perceptual differences. However, implementation challenges exist due to technology complexity. The review provides guidance for best practices in research methodology and highlights promising future directions for clinical applications.

The abstract does not specify methodological limitations of the review itself, sample characteristics of included studies, or quality assessment criteria used for the 170 studies analyzed.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours, with significant impacts on individuals and their families. In recent years, eye-tracking technology has emerged as a valuable tool for examining the cognitive and perceptual differences associated with ASD. Despite technological advancements, the diversity and complexity of this technology may pose challenges for researchers, particularly in fields such as psychology and special education. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of eye-tracking technology in supporting individuals with ASD, focusing on three key areas: major research directions, applications of the technology, and the relationship between ASD-related impairments and eye movement measures.

A thorough literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and the ACM Digital Library, resulting in the inclusion of 170 studies following a rigorous selection process. The analysis of these studies reveals a sustained interest in the application of eye-tracking technology to autism research, as evidenced by the diverse range of research directions explored. For each direction, data collection and analysis methodologies are examined to identify best practices and key considerations. Accordingly, this review offers guidance for future research by highlighting current achievements, acknowledging existing limitations, and proposing promising directions for the continued use of eye tracking in ASD-related studies.