ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY APPS FOR COMMUNICATION IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25110/educere.v26i2.2026-12681Keywords:
Augmentative and alternative communication, Digital accessibility, Inclusive education, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Evidence-based practicesAbstract
This study presents a systematic review of assistive technologies (AT) for communication in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The objective was to analyze the impacts of apps and digital tools on functional communication, emotion recognition, and social interaction. Following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, 56 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were selected from national and international databases. Results indicate that mobile-mediated Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) promotes autonomy and reduces challenging behaviors. Tools for emotional recognition and social pragmatics support showed efficacy in clinical and family settings. It is concluded that while ATs offer significant support, there is a need for greater methodological rigor and longitudinal studies to validate the generalization of skills acquired in natural environments, reinforcing the importance of human mediation in the educational process.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Antonia Souza da Silva, Marta Regina Silva Pereira, Silvia Regina Sampaio Freitas, Vanessa Coelho da Silva, Ricardo da Silva Barbosa, Ernande Ferreira de Melo, Raimundo Corrêa de Oliveira
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
