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Is simplicity the key to engagement for children on the autism spectrum?

Cited in Research Autism: http://www.researchautism.net/latestpublicationlist.ikml the article was selected for a Special Edition of the Journal for Pervasive Technologies. It focuses on Autism and describes studies that evidence the benefits to autistic children of a unique technology system. The system is original as it abandons typical interface semiotics in favour of users’ bodily action as input. This approach removes the demands on cognitive processing that can overwhelm the user and confines interaction to discrete operations, making interaction a more natural, discoverable experience. The aesthetics of the interface offers an original contribution to research on Human Computer Interaction and autistic communication, particularly in the use of Information Communication Technologies for those with specific learning difficulties. As such it offers an alternative to assistive devices and skill based learning by focusing on simple shapes and colours that allow the user to control and observe the flow of interaction. What makes the research relevant is the participation of end users with autism spectrum disorders in the design and evaluation of the technology. The article argues for the physicality of everyday, ubiquitous devices to be considered a source of greater inclusivity for a population with limited opportunities to reveal personal creativity and self-expression. Three studies are included to present the reader with a different scenarios in which the technology has been explored and evaluated. The studies encompass a variety of contexts for use and a rigorous triangulation of methods. The research and development of ReacTickles described throughout the article was funded by the National Endowment for Science,Technology and the Arts. The studies described were studies were funded by the National Film Board of Canada as a result of winning a prestigious Content 360 award at MipTV, Cannes, 2007.