Eye-tracking technology applications for supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder: insights, challenges, and opportunities

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours, with significant impacts on individuals and their families. In recent years, eye-tracking technology has emerged as a valuable tool for examining the cognitive and perceptual differences associated with ASD. Despite technological advancements, the diversity and complexity of this technology may pose challenges for researchers, particularly in fields such as psychology and special education. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of eye-tracking technology in supporting individuals with ASD, focusing on three key areas: major research directions, applications of the technology, and the relationship between ASD-related impairments and eye movement measures. A thorough literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and the ACM Digital Library, resulting in the inclusion of 170 studies following a rigorous selection process. The analysis of these studies reveals a sustained interest in the application of eye-tracking technology to autism research, as evidenced by the diverse range of research directions explored. For each direction, data collection and analysis methodologies are examined to identify best practices and key considerations. Accordingly, this review offers guidance for future research by highlighting current achievements, acknowledging existing limitations, and proposing promising directions for the continued use of eye tracking in ASD-related studies.