The application of augmented reality in the learning of autistic students: a systematic and thematic review in 1996–2020

PurposeMore and more diversity is present in our classrooms. As teachers, we must be able to respond to the different levels of learning presented by our students. Therefore, it is necessary to use the new emerging technologies as elements of response. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic and thematic review of the application of augmented reality (AR) in the learning of autistic students in the educational setting during the period 1996–2020 using the Web of Science and Scopus databases.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, one of the bibliometric techniques called systematic and thematic review has been used. This technique is supported by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews methodology, and it uses a quantitative and qualitative approach. The thematic analysis will be carried out on 28 documents based on a series of indicators, including sample size, hardware devices, way of storing the information and findings obtained in the research.FindingsThe results of the work indicate that the average size of the sample is three participants, and that the most worked area has been social skills using tablets. In addition, bookmarks are often used as an element of information storage in AR.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this work focuses on the establishment of a series of thematic variables that will serve for the later development of an action protocol for the creation of AR activities for autistic students.