Using a Digital Library of Images for Communication: Comparison of a Card-Based System to PDA Software

Autism spectrum disorder has become one of the most prevalent developmental disorders and one of the main impairments is difficulty with communication. One method of augmentative and alternative communication is the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to create messages using a series of images printed on cards and organized in binders. We are developing a digital alternative based on an image library that is displayed on a personal digital assistant (PDA). We conducted an initial user acceptance study that compared the effectiveness and usability of both systems. The study showed that the PDA system was able to communicate messages to adult recipients as effectively as PECS. However, the PDA was perceived to be more current, of higher quality, easier, and more normal looking than the PECS binder

Non-verbal Communication with Autistic Children Using Digital Libraries

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become one of the most prevalent mental disorders over the last few years and its prevalence is still growing. The disorder is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms such as lack of social behavior, extreme withdrawal, and problems communicating. Because of the diversity in symptoms and the wide variety in severity for those, each autistic child has different needs and requires individualized therapy. This leads to long waiting lists for therapy

Digital Libraries on Handhelds for Autistic Children

Autism is a wide spectrum developmental disorder. Its prevalence has increased enormously. Each autistic child has different needs and requires individual therapy. Information technology can help these children and their families by augmenting therapy and providing communication tools. We are developing a digital library that provides such a communication tool on a Pocket PC. The tool will be integrated into the therapy sessions and the children will be able use it daily. Additionally, all the interactions with the tool are logged, allowing the therapist a detailed view of the effects of therapy on the children’s communication

Communication Software using Pictures for use with Pocket PCs

Autism spectrum disorder has become one of the most prevalent developmental disorders. A difficulty with communication is one of the main impairments. We are developing a digital library of images that will be used to help children with autism communicate without the need for reading or writing skills. Images will be displayed on Pocket PCs to convey messages. We are currently developing and evaluating the first prototype