AI technology to support adaptive functioning in neurodevelopmental conditions in everyday environments: a systematic review

Abstract

Supports for adaptive functioning in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) is of umost importance to long-term outcomes. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assistive technologies has enormous potential to offer efficient, cost-effective, and personalized solutions to address these challenges, particularly in everday environments. This systematic review examines the existing evidence for using AI-assistive technologies to support adaptive functioning in people with NDCs in everyday settings. Searches across six databases yielded 15 studies meeting inclusion criteria, focusing on robotics, phones/computers and virtual reality. Studies most frequently recruited children diagnosed with autism and targeted social skills (47%), daily living skills (26%), and communication (16%). Despite promising results, studies addressing broader transdiagnostic needs across different NDC populations are needed. There is also an urgent need to improve the quality of evidence-based research practices. This review concludes that AI holds enormous potential to support adaptive functioning for people with NDCs and for personalized health support. This review underscores the need for further research studies to advance AI technologies in this field.