An Alternative Design Perspective for Technology Supporting Youngsters with Autism

People with autism present several disabilities in communication, social interaction and behavioral fields. There is a wide variation among these individuals and it is essential to develop therapies and materials customized for them. There are many design approaches in Human-Computer Interaction, but most of them present some limitations for designing to this audience. We conducted a study using paper prototyping with children with autism in order to contribute to the design of software for them. In this paper, we report some limitations in using this technique and the need for customizing applications for the individual who will use them. Reflecting on these needs and analyzing approaches to interface design, we present and discuss a proposal for a design methodology that combines Meta-design and Semiotic Engineering.