Designing augmentative and alternative communication systems that focus on real-world contexts as well as the motor, cognitive and linguistic processing of autistic children
Date
2019-04
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Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC) Systems to be able to communicate their feelings, thoughts, and
expressions. However, AAC systems are not being developed to focus on the complex
communication needs of individuals such as the motor, cognitive , sensory needs of the users of
the system. Without a focus on the complex and varying competencies of the users of the system,
the technology does not perform its intended role of enhancing communication but rather places a
cognitive load on the users. In this project, guidelines, and recommendations for developing a
tablet-based AAC application that satisfies the complex needs of autistic children with a different
ASD diagnosis would be provided. The study analyzed the user interface of Eline Speaks, a tablet
based AAC system and identified the limitations, accessibility and usability issues of the system.
Recommendations on developing an accessible AAC system was derived from testing a high
fidelity prototype in comparison to that of Eline Speaks, an already existing system.
Description
Undergraduate thesis submitted to the Department of Computer Science, Ashesi University, in partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems, April 2019
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Keywords
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), human-computer interaction, "Eline Speaks", prototype development, assistive technology