Use of augmented reality for social communication skills in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A systematic review

The purpose of this review is to provide a systematic analysis of studies investigating the use of augmented reality (AR) to improve the social communications skills of individuals (children and adults) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review synthesizes the AR technology, research design, data collection methods, settings, and intervention outcomes. Across the studies, the effect of using AR towards the learning of individuals was positive. However, given the wide variety of skills targeted in the shortlisted studies, and the heterogeneity of the participants, a summative conclusion regarding the effectiveness of AR for teaching social communication skills to an individual with ASD based on the existing literature is not possible. Future research addressing this area as well as the relative effectiveness of AR among more participants, different technologies supporting AR, its intervention, and the evaluation in the classroom environment is warranted.