Let the eyes do the talking: A scoping review of eye-tracking in paediatric communication assessment and intervention

Purpose: Eye-tracking technologies are of great interest to individuals who use them to communicate and their supporters. This review maps and critically evaluates the research on eye-tracking in paediatric communication assessment and intervention, including user perceptions, to guide future clinical practice and identify future practice-related research priorities. In an advance on previous reviews, the study reports on effect sizes, as well as research quality and reproducibility of included studies.

Method: Seven databases were sytematically searched using terms related to eye-tracking, the paediatric population, and communication assessment or intervention. Information on study design and key findings, including effect sizes, were extracted. Research quality and reproducibility were evaluated using validated measures.

Result: Included studies explored the use of eye-tracking in paediatric communication assessment (n = 14) or intervention (n = 10) and/or users' perceptions of eye-tracking technologies in speech-language pathology (n = 7). Eye-tracking was well-received and has been used effectively to measure and support children's communication, though effect sizes varied. Opportunities for improved research quality and reproducibility are identified.

Conclusion: Eye-tracking technologies can be integrated into paediatric communication assessment and intervention and are generally well received by child users and their supporters. Clinical implications and directions for future practice-related research are discussed.