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AT for Executive Function: Intersection of 3 Markets
AT for Executive Function: Intersection of 3 Markets
Assistive technology that supports executive function presents a unique opportunity because it spans multiple markets: AT for students with learning disabilities, tech-enabled tools for learning disabilities, and ADHD treatment.
Figure 1: Diagram of the 3 Markets for AT supporting Executive Function (Source: Tim Lee and Anna Ren, 2025)
The AT for Students with Learning Disabilities Market
The AT for Students with Learning Disabilities Market
In 2020, according to Allied Market Research, the global market for assistive technology for students with learning disabilities was valued at 154.67 million USD. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.9% and reach 298.13 million USD by 2030.
This growth is due in part to the role that the Covid-19 pandemic played in necessitating digital learning technologies. However, it is now driven by a general shift towards incorporating more educational technologies in schools and classrooms.
Figure 2: Global Assistive Technology Market For Students with Learning Disabilities in 2020 and Projected in 2030 (Source: Allied Market Research, 2020).
Tech-Enabled Tools For Learning Disabilities Market
Tech-Enabled Tools For Learning Disabilities Market
Meanwhile, the broader global market for tech-enabled tools that support individuals with learning disabilities, including both children and adults, was valued at 15.1 billion USD in 2023.
This larger market includes a wide range of digital tools such as accessibility software, assistive apps, adaptive learning platforms, and productivity tools that are used in K–12 education, higher education, workplaces, and lifelong learning environments.
According to Zion Market Research, this market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5 percent, reaching approximately 30.1 billion USD by 2032.
Figure 3: Global Tech-Enabled Learning Disabilities Tools Market Size from 2023 project to 2032 (Source: Zion Market Research, 2023).
ADHD Treatment Market
ADHD Treatment Market
Finally, the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) market was valued at 15.8 billion USD in 2023. It is important to note that a large portion of this market was made up of revenue from stimulant medications, which accounted for 11.2 billion USD.
According to Global Market Insights, the ADHD market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent, reaching 24.6 billion USD by 2032. However, it is also important to note that this growth is expected to be driven in part by the expansion of digital therapeutic options, which directly relate to the assistive technologies discussed earlier.
Figure 4: Global ADHD Market from 2024 Projected to 2032 (Source: Global Market insights, 2024)
How might AI-powered assistive technologies work for students?
How might AI-powered assistive technologies work for students?
Below are two social media videos that share the perspectives of individuals with ADHD. While these examples are not specific to classroom settings, they highlight the potential for supporting individual students who need additional executive function support. They also suggest how AI might be used to assist those students more effectively.
Example #1
Example #1
In this first video, a woman explains how she uses AI to create a flexible schedule that aligns with her natural energy levels. As someone with ADHD, she also uses AI to generate personalized meal plans and shopping lists.
In a classroom context, this could look like a student inputting their weekly goals, with AI generating a schedule that accounts for their typical high and low energy periods throughout the day. Similarly, just as AI can create custom shopping lists, students could use it to generate personalized lists of learning materials needed for each class. This could be especially helpful for students who struggle with organizing their materials and being prepared for class.
Example #2
Example #2
In this second video, the user shares how she inputs all of her thoughts and tasks into ChatGPT, which then organizes the information into a clear and manageable to-do list. This strategy helps her make sense of mental clutter and prioritize what needs to be done.
In a classroom setting, a similar approach could be used by students who struggle with executive functioning. For example, a student could use an AI tool to organize their ideas when preparing to write an essay or create a presentation. By turning scattered thoughts into a structured plan, AI could support students in getting started on tasks, staying focused, and reducing the cognitive load that often makes academic work feel overwhelming.
Challenges with AI-Powered Assistive Technologies
Challenges with AI-Powered Assistive Technologies
Privacy Worries: One of the biggest hurdles for bringing AI-powered assistive technologies into schools is privacy. Students and parents are rightfully concerned about personal data being collected by large tech companies—and potentially used to train AI models.
Academic Integrity and Cognitive Impact: There are also growing concerns about academic integrity and whether over-relying on AI might harm cognition and memory, which are closely linked to executive function.
A recent study examined this by looking at the neural and behavioral effects of using large language models (LLMs) for essay writing. Researchers compared three groups of students:
Brain-only group (no assistance)
Search engine-assisted group
LLM-assisted group
The Results: The findings were striking: students who relied only on their brains showed the strongest connectivity among their neural networks, while those assisted by LLMs showed the weakest connectivity.
The Big Question: This raises a crucial dilemma: Does AI risk making worse the very problems it aims to solve? Or is it actually a transformative tool that could make assistive technologies far more personalized and adaptable?
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