New technologies and autism : insights and perspectives

In this introduction to the feature issue on "New Technologies for the Benefit of Autism", we examine the impact of ongoing developments in digital technologies and their multiple uses for people with ASDs. This impact is addressed both in terms of support for basic learning and autonomy, as well as support for school inclusion and for communication and social skills. Among these different contributions of digital technology are those that arise from natural interaction technologies, which aim to help the development of autistic children on the basis of knowledge of the singularity of their functioning, and those that involve the autonomous interaction between the person with ASD and the robot. Through question reviews and empirical research, we examine how technology can take advantage of research on developmental pathologies to move towards a future where technology is more personal, more adaptable and becomes a true tool for personal development.