Artificial Intelligence for Supporting College Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Cognitive, Emotional, and Ethical Perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonses.5915Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Higher education, Cognitive assistance, Emotional regulation, AI-driven interventions, Disclosure and data privacyAbstract
College students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often face academic underperformance, executive functioning challenges, and emotional regulation difficulties that hinder persistence and success in higher education. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) offer promising opportunities to provide adaptive support through innovative tools for personalized interventions and cognitive assistance. A literature search conducted across PubMed, ERIC, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, and IEEE Xplore identified peer-reviewed studies relevant to ADHD in higher education and the application of AI-based tools. Findings indicate that AI-based systems, including explainable AI models and biometric frameworks, can enhance risk estimation and pattern recognition related to ADHD symptomatology, while also raising concerns about responsible data governance. Importantly, these tools do not perform clinical diagnoses; rather, they support licensed professionals by aggregating and organizing data that may inform clinical decision-making. Generative and assistive technologies, such as ChatGPT, socially assistive robots, and mobile applications, have been found to enhance academic writing, self-regulation, and executive functioning; however, their adoption is limited by gaps in digital literacy and inconsistent institutional support. Ethical considerations, including privacy, algorithmic fairness, trust, and students’ willingness to disclose ADHD status, critically influence acceptance and effectiveness. The review highlights the importance of inclusive design, participatory development, and AI literacy training. When ethically implemented within institutional frameworks, AI-driven interventions can complement traditional services, fostering more accessible, supportive, and responsive learning environments for neurodivergent college students.
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