Designing AAC Systems for Children with Autism: Evidence from Eye Tracking Research

Abstract

Autism is associated with a range of language difficulties that impact communication, behaviour management, and education. Consequently, a variety of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies may be employed to support people with autism to communicate. There is a growing body of evidence concerning the visual attention of individuals with autism, which may be relevant to AAC interventions. This review draws on evidence from eye tracking research specifically to inform the design of AAC systems for people with autism. In addition, we discuss the future of AAC for individuals with autism in light of relevant technological developments, and raise questions for future research.

Keywords::

• AAC
• Autism
• Gaze behaviour
• Eye tracking
• Communication
• Language disorders

Notes

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the guest editor Krista Wilkinson and anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interests. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Notes

1. Grace App is available from GraceApp Communications; http://www.graceapp.com

2. AutisMate is available from SpecialNeedsWare Inc.; http://autismate.com

3. BoardMaker software is available from DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, 2100 Wharton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA; http://www.mayer-johnson.com/

4. Symbols are available from Pyramid Educational Consultants UK; http://www.pecs-unitedkingdom.com/