Research: Techniques and Recommendations for the Inclusion of Users with Autism in the Design of Assistive Technologies

Authored by Francis, P., Mellor D., and Firth L. in Assistive Technology, Volume 21, Issue 2, p. 57-68, (2009).

Article summary (posted Nov 17, 2009):

Involving people with autism in the design process for digital devices may help create products that work well for them.

Digital assistive technology includes digital devices or programs that are designed to help people with autism. As much as 30% of new technologies are dropped because people with autism do not use them. A panel of 7 psychologists, who work with people with autism, recommended some ways to include them in the process of designing new technologies for them. First, the abilities, behaviors, and motivators (what motivates them) should be evaluated. Second, product designers should be experienced in autism to better know what might work. Third, offering a variety of products is a good idea because there is a range of abilities and interests among people with autism.

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
assistive technology, autism, inclusion, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), psychologist
Share |