Technology can improve the life of those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specifically, some children with ASD are not fortunate enough to acquire the ability to communicate with language on their own. With language being an important method of communication, socialization, and interacting with the world, these children need researchers to develop new solutions to help teach vocalization and speech. Without speech, these children will have difficulty communicating their needs, wants, and emotions, as well as being able to function within society at large.

In order to test whether computer generated stimuli (auditory and/or visual) can be constructed to encourage/reinforce sound production in children with ASD, we have begun the first phase of this research project. Our study attempts to uncover the effect of different permutations of auditory and visual feedback on the vocal production of children in our target population. We have constructed approximately a dozen varying types of visualizations, as well as 4 different metaphors for sound feedback.

• Talking Points: The differential impact of real-time computer generated audio/visual feedback on speech-like & non-speech-like vocalizations in low functioning children with ASD
  Proceedings of ASSETS - 2009
• Creating a Spoken Impact: encouraging vocalization through audio visual feedback
  Proceedings of CHI - 2008
• Encouraging Speech and Vocalization in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
  Workshop at CHI: Technology in Mental Health - 2008
• The Spoken Impact Project: Using Audio & Visual Feedback to Impact Vocalization in non-verbal Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
  Master’s Thesis - 2008
• Visualizations: Speech, Language and Autistic Spectrum Disorder
  Extended Abstracts of CHI - 2008
• Encouraging Speech and Vocalization in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
  Doctoral Consortium of ASSETS - 2007