User-centered design and augmentative and alternative communication apps for children with autism spectrum disorders

Communication difficulties are among the most frequent characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Lack of communication can have a significant impact on the child’s life. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps are a common form of AAC interventions that involve a combination of affordable technology with software that can be utilized to assist with communication. While AAC apps have been found to have some impact on improving the communication skills of children with ASD, current research exploring this topic is still limited. Focusing on the design process of AAC apps may provide better insight into improving clinical outcomes and user success. The user-centered design process incorporates a continuous cycle of user feedback to help inform and improve the functions and the capabilities of the technology, and it is an essential component in AAC app development. This article outlines how the user-centered design process could be adopted for the development of AAC apps for children with ASD.