Computer-Aided Learning for People with Autism – a Framework for Research and Development

There is good evidence that computer-aided learning is well accepted by students with autism and is of great potential benefit to them. Despite the potential, however, the field remains relatively unexplored. This paper therefore proposes a framework for further research and development in the field of computer-aided learning for students with autism. The framework is based around the core deficiencies of autism, namely a social impairment, a communication impairment, rigidity and inflexibility in thinking and a theory of mind deficit. Proposals for computer-aided learning systems for each of these areas are put forward, and our current development work outlined.