This summer we were honored to present at the 42nd Autism Society National Conference and Exposition in sunny Orlando, FL. Our presentation focused on our observations of children with autism that beta tested Injini and how we used that information to improve our suite of learning games.

Here’s a short summary of our learnings.

• Interface is extremely important to keep children with autism engaged. Interface must contain the following criteria:
• UI is perfectly consistent
• Predictable
• Visual and sound used to complement each other
• Clearly defined and consistent beginnings and endings help maximize the learning benefits and help children to move from one task to the next without any anxiety. Injini has a 3, 2, 1 countdown before game play begins and a happy face with fireworks and a positive affirmation that concludes each game. These visual and auditory cues were all design choices we made based on our beta testers with autism. However, we noticed that ALL children benefited from this design choice.
• Timing is an important Injini feature so that when playing in a small group setting, children can practice social skills like turn-taking and sharing. Injini is predictably timed so that children know when their turn will end and the next child’s turn will begin. Injini was a great motivator in the classroom to practice these social skills.
• Injini is inclusive. Teachers and parents both reported that typically developing children as well as the children with autism enjoyed playing Injini. The game played on the iPad was a natural addition to an inclusive classroom environment. Parents of children with autism love Injini for similar reasons as their typically developing siblings can play along side of their sister/brother with autism.

To learn about additional Injini features that are relevant for children with autism, please view our presentation on slide share.