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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Eye Tracking for Rehabilitation and Training in Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review
Guido Catalano1,2, Sara Abbondio2, Roberta Nicotra1,2
1Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Insights
Eye-tracking (ET) devices enhance paediatric rehabilitation for neurodevelopmental disorders by improving engagement and visual attention. This technology shows promise in training gaze control and boosting cognitive and social skills.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Eye-tracking (ET) technology is increasingly utilized in pediatric rehabilitation.
- It assesses patient engagement and visual attention in technology-based settings.
- Focus is on neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the use of ET in pediatric rehabilitation.
- To outline the rehabilitative outcomes targeted in clinical populations.
- To summarize the state of the art over the last 20 years.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.
- Categorized articles by disorder type and function rehabilitated.
Main Results:
- ET integration in pediatric rehabilitation shows promising results for conditions like ASD, ADHD, and cerebral palsy.
- Effective in training gaze control, executive functions, social cognition, communication, and participation.
- Supports personalized, data-driven solutions with high engagement, feasibility, and user satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Eye-tracking is a promising tool for pediatric rehabilitation across various neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Gaze-contingent protocols show potential for promoting adaptive behaviors.
- Further research is needed for shared guidance and practice recommendations.
Abstract:
Background: Eye-tracking (ET) devices are gaining attention in technology-based paediatric rehabilitation through their intrinsic ability to assess patients' engagement and visual attention within motivating, technology-based environments. We conducted a systematic review of available evidence from 2004 to 2025 on the implementation of ET in rehabilitative trainings targeting paediatric populations with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. This paper aims to outline the rehabilitative outcomes pursued in the clinical populations considered. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were consulted to summarise the state of the art of the last 20 years. Selected articles were categorised according to the type of treated disorder and the rehabilitated function. Results: ET devices have been increasingly integrated into paediatric rehabilitation with promising results across multiple neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., ASD, ADHD, cerebral palsy). These systems have proven effective not only in training gaze control, but also in enhancing executive functions, social cognition, communication, and participation. Furthermore, they promote personalised and data-driven solutions and support high levels of engagement, feasibility, and user satisfaction. Conclusions: ET represents a promising frontier for paediatric rehabilitation, addressing various neurodevelopmental disorders. The gaze-contingent protocols employed have demonstrated potential effects in promoting adaptive behaviour across multiple developmental areas. Further research is warranted to provide shared guidance and to strengthen practice recommendations.
