Participatory Design of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Technology with Autistic Adults

Abstract

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology has potential to improve wellbeing and communication access for speaking and semi-speaking autistic adults, but most research, design, and provision focuses on non-speaking autistic children. We conducted two virtual participatory design sessions with five autistic adults who have situational or occasional difficulty speaking to elicit their values around communication and AAC design. We found that social stigma is a major barrier to effective communication and can be mitigated through aspects of AAC design that increase users' agency in social situations. Communication difficulties and AAC use held many affective dimensions, including positive emotions such as joy, relief, and calm and challenging emotions associated with stigma and internalized ableism. Privacy and a related preference for dedicated devices and wearables over applications were key priorities identified by participants. We offer a discussion of ways that autistic adults' values around communication can guide the design of communication tools.