Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also called pervasive development disorder (PDD), involves impairment in feeling, thinking, and language development. The most severe form is associated with autism and the milder form with Asperger’s syndrome.

In this paper, Hailpern et al. report the preliminary results of using human computer interaction (HCI) with visual and auditory feedback to teach children with ASD speech and language skills. Researchers “hypothesize that computers and HCI techniques [may] augment practitioners by teaching and reinforcing both vocalization and speech skills in children who are on the autism spectrum.” The investigators use visualizations instead of struggling with the limitations of speech recognition software. A four-month pilot study involving five “low-functioning” autistic children was conducted from August to November 2007.

Initial results concerning the usefulness of a software system that prompts a word with the reward of a visual and auditory display are encouraging. Other systems using waveform visualization, such as Pro Tools and Logic, allow a child to build a graphic design, with a feedback reward at the end. A research direction to be explored involves toy-like interfaces with auditory or flashing responses.

While the paper is a brief five pages and very tentative, the researchers conclude with a significant list of citations and “early qualitative results that appear to be promising.” Developers of educational computer applications and interactive designers will find this study of interest.