1Enhancing and Accelerating the Pace of Autism Research and Treatment The Promise of Developing Innovative Technology

In a previous In FOCUS column, Kimball and Smith(2007) nicely articulated the benefits and challenges of creating computer technology to support individuals with autism. They also provide a well-devised three-point plan to stimulate and support progress in technology develop-ment for this population. As a follow-up to their column, the current offering expands the discussion by (a) high-lighting additional technologies emerging in the field (and as available, providing sample citations or URLs to exemplify each technology), (b) detailing the many ways these innovative technologies can be used to enhance and accelerate the pace of autism research and treatment, and (c) describing the Autism Speaks–Innovative Technology for Autism (ITA) Initiative as a resource to complement and aid Kimball and Smith’s call for further technology development. Although Kimball and Smith (2007) mentioned com-puter software for persons with autism, there are several additional innovative technologies being developed for this population that utilize the Internet; audio and video recorders; electronic sensing technology; computer architecture, hardware, and software; virtual reality; and robotics. These technologies, alone or in conjunction, can be used beneficially in a number of critical areas affecting individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them