A systematic review of assistive technologies for children with dyslexia

TL;DR

This systematic review analyzes recent assistive technologies for children with dyslexia, highlighting digital solutions like mobile apps and emerging innovations such as VR and NLP, with implications for accessibility and effectiveness.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of technological trends from 2015 to 2024, emphasizing the shift towards digital interventions and emerging innovative tools.

Findings

Digital assistive technologies dominate current interventions.

Emerging technologies include virtual reality, NLP, and haptic interfaces.

Non-computing devices are less effective but valuable where technology access is limited.

Abstract

Dyslexia is a neurological learning disability that primarily disrupts one's ability to read, write, and spell, affecting an estimated 15-20% of the global population. This high prevalence underscores the importance of developing effective interventions. This study presents a systematic literature review conducted between 2015 and 2024 to evaluate current trends in assistive technologies for children with dyslexia. This research shows that digital assistive technologies are leading interventions, especially with the use of mobile apps and augmented reality. More innovative technologies like virtual reality, NLP, haptic technologies, and tangible user interfaces are emerging to provide unique solutions addressing the user's needs. While non-computing devices are generally less effective in comparison to modern digital solutions, they provide a promising alternative in settings with limited access to technology.