Research trends and knowledge mapping of information systems in services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A bibliometric study

Abstract

The growing prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities, has increased the demand for integrated, technology-supported service systems. Information systems play a strategic role in improving care coordination, clinical documentation, and data-driven decision-making; however, the scientific landscape of this field remains fragmented and requires systematic mapping. This study aims to analyze global research trends and map the intellectual structure of information systems in services for children with NDDs using a bibliometric approach. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using data retrieved from the Scopus database for publications between 2015 and 2025. A total of 11,659 records were initially identified, and 5,774 documents met the inclusion criteria after screening. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer, Biblioshiny (R Studio), and MapChart to examine publication growth, citation performance, leading countries and institutions, authorship collaboration networks, and keyword co-occurrence patterns. The findings indicate a significant increase in publications, particularly after 2019, reflecting accelerated integration of digital health technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and electronic medical records into neurodevelopmental services. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerged as the most dominant research focus, while the United States and the United Kingdom led global scientific production, highlighting geographic disparities in knowledge contribution. Keyword mapping revealed three major thematic clusters: computational-technological approaches, service and disability-oriented research, and clinical-epidemiological systems. In conclusion, research on information systems in NDD services is rapidly expanding and increasingly interdisciplinary; future studies should emphasize implementation strategies, cross-sector data integration, and context-sensitive system development to promote equitable, evidence-based neurodevelopmental care globally.