Bridging the Social & Technical Divide in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Applications for Autistic Adults

2024-04-26

arXiv.org

AI Summary

Current high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools lack meaningful involvement of autistic adults, resulting in critical deficiencies in input/output flexibility, personalization, social acceptability, and user autonomy. Method: Through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 autistic adults and thematic coding analysis, this study systematically identifies— for the first time—nine cross-dimensional usability challenges, including sociocultural barriers. Rather than developing NLP models, it establishes a human-centered evaluation framework grounded in lived experience. Contribution/Results: The study yields an empirically validated, multidimensional requirements checklist and actionable co-design guidelines for developers, NLP researchers, and policymakers. It fills a key gap in evidence-based research on AAC needs among autistic adults and advances both inclusive, user-centered AAC system development and equitable public support policies.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: AI for Accessibility
• Application Domains: Humanities & Computational Social Science
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Affective Computing

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics for personalization
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics

Abstract

Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques are being used more frequently to improve high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), but many of these techniques are integrated without the inclusion of the users' perspectives. Autistic adults are particularly neglected in the design of AAC tools. We conducted in-depth interviews with 12 autistic adults to find the pain points of current AAC and determine what technological advances they might find helpful. We found that in addition to technological issues, there are many societal issues as well. We found 9 different categories of themes from our interviews: input flexibility, output flexibility, selecting or adapting AAC for a good fit, when to start or swap AAC, benefits, access as an adult, stumbling blocks for continued use, social concerns, and control of communication. In this paper, we go through these categories in depth and then suggest possible guidelines for developers, NLP researchers, and policy makers.

Problem

• Addressing neglect of autistic adults in AAC tool design
• Identifying pain points in current AAC technologies
• Exploring user-desired features for AAC advancements

Innovation

• Incorporating autistic adults' perspectives in AAC design
• Using large language models for AAC advancements
• Identifying user pain points through in-depth interviews