Hotspots and Frontier Evolution of AI Research on Special Education in China: A Knowledge Graph Analysis Based on CiteSpace
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6918/Keywords:
Special education; artificial intelligence; CiteSpace knowledge graph; visual analysis.Abstract
This research reviews the research progress, key topics, and development trends of artificial intelligence (AI) in special education in China, takes AI-related literatures on special education from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) as samples, and CiteSpace software is used for visual analysis. The result suggests that although publication volume has fluctuated, the overall trend rises. Current research primarily focuses on AI support for special education, intelligent assessment and intervention for children with special needs, and applications of virtual reality technology and so on. Research frontiers have expanded from early focus on autism intervention and single assistive technologies to broader topics such as human-computer interaction, inclusive education, and AI-supported teaching and learning. Future research should strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, cooperation among research institutions, broaden research subjects and age stages, and enhance the educational application of AI in real educational situation.
Downloads
References
[1] Wang, S. S. (2026). Artificial intelligence empowers precise instruction and research in special education: Practical challenges, logical mechanisms, and implementation pathways. Modern Special Education, (12), 21 26. (In Chinese).
[2] Xi, S. H. (2026). Digital technology empowering teaching research of special education. China Journal of Multimedia & Network Teaching (Lower Periodical), (3), 43 46. (In Chinese)
[3] State Council. (2017, July 20). Development plan for the new generation of artificial intelligence. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2017 07/20/content_5211996.htm. (In Chinese)
[4] Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. (2018, April 13). Notice of the Ministry of Education on issuing the "Education Informatization 2.0 Action Plan". http://www.moe.gov.cn/srcsite/A16/s3342/201804/t20180425_334188.html. (In Chinese)
[5] General Office of the State Council. (2022, January 25). Notice of the General Office of the State Council on transmitting the 14th Five Year action plan for the development and promotion of special education issued by the Ministry of Education and other departments. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022 01/25/content_5670341.htm. (In Chinese)
[6] Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, & National Data Administration. (2026, April 10). Notice on issuing the "Artificial Intelligence + Education Action Plan". https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202604/content_7065138.htm. (In Chinese)
[7] Zeng, J. (2025). The intervention study of conversational AI combined with peer mediated intervention for children with autism on their conversational competence (Unpublished master’s thesis). Southwest University. (In Chinese)
[8] Yang, N. N. (2014). Virtual reality technology and its application in special education. Software Guide (Educational Technology), 13(2), 39 40. (In Chinese)
[9] Jiang, Y. S., Zhang, Y. M., Chen, Y., et al. (2026). Educational robots for enhancing classroom engagement for children with autism spectrum disorder: Scenarios, logic, and pathways. Modern Distance Education, (1), 68 77. (In Chinese)
[10] Zhou, B., She, W. B., & Xiang, S. B. (2025). Application of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: A bibliometric analysis. Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice, 31(5), 573 580. (In Chinese)
[11] Chen, Y., Chen, C. M., Liu, Z. Y., et al. (2015). The methodology function of CiteSpace mapping knowledge domains. Studies in Science of Science, 33(2), 242 253. (In Chinese)
[12] Chen, L. Y. (2026). Toward precision and inclusion: The development landscape of artificial intelligence empowered rehabilitation education for children with autism spectrum disorder. Chinese Scientific Journal of Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation, 24(2), 116 120. (In Chinese)
[13] Chang, J., Meng, F. C., Zheng, Y., et al. (2026). Research progress of machine learning in early screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Developmental Medicine (Electronic Version), 14(1), 58 64. (In Chinese)
[14] Hu, X. M., Jiang, Y. T., & Ma, Y. Q. (2022). A review on the application of augmented reality technology in teaching children with autism. Modern Special Education, (1), 10 16. (In Chinese)
[15] Miao, Z. L., Bai, F. L., Wei, L., et al. (2024). A case study on virtual reality technology in life safety skills of autistic children. Journal of Suihua University, 44(4), 86 91. (In Chinese)
[16] Zhou, P., & Zhan, Z. H. (2025). How artificial intelligence empowers personalized learning for students with special needs. Modern Special Education, (24), 30 36. (In Chinese)
[17] Chen, L. Y., Zhang, K., & Yang, Z. K. (2023). Study on dynamic assessment of language ability of children with autism through human computer interaction. E education Research, 44(10), 48 53+86. (In Chinese)
[18] Zhang, L., & Deng, M. (2026). Digital empowerment in the transformation of inclusive education for students with special needs: Why, what for, and how. Chinese Journal of Special Education, (3), 12 18. (In Chinese)
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Social Science and Education Research

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.




