AI-Powered Personalized Learning Systems for Children with Special Needs: A Comprehensive Review

Author(s): Dr. Kavita Sharma

Abstract:

Children with special needs (CWSN) are those who have a disability of some kind and need special assistance and care. The type of these children's disabilities determines their special needs. These children will require more assistance and services in education. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in special education represents a paradigm shift in addressing the diverse learning needs of children with disabilities. This research paper provides a comprehensive review of AI-powered personalized learning systems for children with special needs, examining their applications, effectiveness, challenges, and future directions. Drawing on a systematic analysis of 139 studies, the paper demonstrates that AI-driven technologies-including intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, natural language processing tools, and assistive communication devices-significantly enhance academic performance, cognitive development, and social engagement for students with autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities. Longitudinal evidence from a 12-month study involving 360 participants shows substantial improvements in attention, memory, and problem-solving skills, with neuroplastic changes observed in key brain regions. However, significant barriers remain, including limited access in low-resource settings, inadequate teacher training, ethical concerns regarding data privacy and algorithmic bias, and the risk of cognitive offloading. The paper proposes a framework for ethical implementation, emphasizing professional oversight, personalization, transparency, and continuous feedback. It concludes that while AI cannot replace teachers, it offers immense potential to enhance inclusive education when implemented thoughtfully with appropriate safeguards and teacher empowerment strategies.

keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Learning, Special Education, Assistive Technology, Inclusive Education, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Adaptive Learning Systems

Pages: 07-11     |    42 View     |    4 Download