Eye Tracking Measures Reveal How Changes in the Design of Displays for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Influence Visual Search in Individuals With Down Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Purpose This research note reports on how small changes to the organization of a simulated display for augmentative and alternative communication influence the visual search patterns of individuals with Down syndrome or autism, as measured through eye tracking technologies. Prior research had demonstrated that clustering symbols by their internal color facilitates search and reduces attention to distracters, in children with typical development. This research systematically replicated the procedures with individuals with Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder. Method Participants engaged in a visual search task on a monitor with embedded automated eye tracking technology. Patterns of gaze during search were measured via this technology. Results Participants were significantly faster to fixate on the target and to select it with the mouse when the like-colored symbols were clustered together. In addition, participants were significantly less likely to fixate on distracters in the clustered condition. No group differences were found. Conclusions Small changes to the organization of the simulated augmentative and alternative communication display resulted in substantial differences in eye gaze and speed to find a target. Of greatest clinical import is the finding that clustering symbols reduced attention to distracters, given that individuals with disabilities may be prone to distraction.

Collaboration between stakeholders involved in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) care of people without natural speech

“…AAC is a field focusing on people without natural speech that includes the use of unaided AAC systems (e.g., gestures) and aided AAC systems (e.g., communication boards, devices with voice output; Baxter et al, 2012;Sigafoos & Drasgow, 2001;Wilkinson & Madel, 2019). People who require AAC usually have chronic conditions and/or complex care needs (Beukelman et al, 2007;Light & McNaughton, 2012).…”

Stakeholder Perspectives to Support Graphical User Interface Design for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

“…Regarding the use of synthesised voice, the participants recommended its use [63], with the option of being customisable with natural voice, if necessary. The use of colour as a visual cue has been recognised as a facilitator for information processing [40,49,64]. The participants reported no total agreement on the use of specific colours for this purpose, although the grammatical classification that emerged with the PCS symbols predominated.…”

Cognitive Assessment in GNAO1 Neurodevelopmental Disorder Using an Eye Tracking System

“…Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a wide variety of interventions and technologies aimed at promoting communication used to compensate for an individual's reduced communicative competence [5][6][7] Eye tracking technology (ETT) is a sensor technology used for measuring eye movements. ETT can be used as an interface for human-computer interaction, and can be applied to AAC interventions in severe neurodevelopmental and motor disorders [8].…”

“…ETT can be used as an interface for human-computer interaction, and can be applied to AAC interventions in severe neurodevelopmental and motor disorders [8]. Through ETT, subjects may control mouse pointing on a computer: the device projects a low level of infrared light, and a camera on the system captures the angle of the reflection coming back from the subjects' eyes [7]. When the user holds their gaze on a desired location for a specific length of settle time, a mouse click is activated [9].…”

“…AAC has been widely used in infants and toddlers with disabilities in the last years [10]. Many studies have investigated particularly the use of ETT to assess cognition in individuals with severe motor apraxia [11] and developmental disorders [7]. In addition, ETT may provide benefits in the assessment of children with autism [12][13][14] or Rett syndrome [9,[15][16][17][18].…”