Wearable Sensors for Ensuring Sports Safety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Review

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face unique risks during sports activities due to challenges such as motor coordination difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and communication impairments. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the use of wearable sensor technologies to enhance the safety and participation of children with ASD in sports. Utilizing a systematic approach, we analyze 144 papers identified through advanced search methodology. Our findings reveal that wearable sensors can monitor physiological signals like heart rate variability and electrodermal activity and biomechanical signals such as movement patterns to detect early signs of distress, anxiety, or potential injury. The integration of these technologies into sports settings for children with ASD presents significant potential for improving safety, reducing participation barriers, and enhancing overall well-being. Key findings indicate that while the application of wearable sensors in this context is still emerging, early results are promising. However, challenges remain regarding device usability, data privacy, and the need for further research to validate the effectiveness of these technologies in real-world sports environments. This review highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, technology developers, educators, and caregivers to develop and implement wearable sensor solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of children with ASD, thereby promoting safer and more inclusive sports participation.