Enhancing Communication for People with Autism Through the Design of a Context-aware Mobile Application for PECS

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with social skills and communication. Autistic individuals require different types of assistance to cope with these challenges. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a commonly used program for teaching nonverbal and symbolic communication skills, particularly for children with limited or no communication abilities. However, despite the development of various technology-based PECS systems, there is a lack of features that can simplify their use by children with autism. In our work, we are developing a design of a personalized and context-aware PECS system. Our system not only presents pictures as content but also adapts and enhances the content using contextual information.