Autism and Somantics: Capturing Behaviour in the Wild

This paper looks at the use of a novel software application created with the inclusive participation of the target population, young people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Somantics has been used in a variety of settings, therapeutic and educational, as a method of eliciting non-formal, user-led interaction. This is in contrast with many information technology interventions that target specific behaviours via structured tasks. Moreover, they are often conducted in controlled environments. By investigating behavior ‘in the wild’ we offer a genuine alternative to traditional paradigms in understanding ASD. This paper highlights the eclectic methodologies (e.g. micro-ethnography, charettes, performance analysis) and tools that we have used to capture ASD behavior. It emphasizes the benefits of adopting a genuine multidisciplinary approach of individuals and processes (e.g. product designers, psychologists, sports scientists, touch therapists) when investigating real-world phenomena.