Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques are being used more frequently to improve high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), but many of these techniques are integrated without the inclusion of the users' perspectives. Autistic adults are particularly neglected in the design of AAC tools. We conducted in-depth interviews with 12 autistic adults to find the pain points of current AAC and determine what technological advances they might find helpful. We found that in addition to technological issues, there are many societal issues as well. We found 9 different categories of themes from our interviews: input flexibility, output flexibility, selecting or adapting AAC for a good fit, when to start or swap AAC, benefits, access as an adult, stumbling blocks for continued use, social concerns, and control of communication. In this paper, we go through these categories in depth and then suggest possible guidelines for developers, NLP researchers, and policy makers.

翻译：自然语言处理（NLP）技术正日益频繁地应用于改进高科技辅助与替代沟通（AAC）系统，然而许多此类技术在整合过程中并未充分纳入用户的视角。自闭症成人在AAC工具的设计中尤其受到忽视。我们通过对12名自闭症成人进行深度访谈，以探究当前AAC系统的痛点，并确定哪些技术进步可能对他们有所帮助。研究发现，除技术问题外，还存在着诸多社会性问题。我们从访谈中归纳出9类主题：输入灵活性、输出灵活性、选择或适配AAC以实现良好匹配、何时开始或更换AAC、使用效益、成人获取途径、持续使用的障碍、社会顾虑以及沟通控制权。本文深入探讨这些类别，进而为开发者、NLP研究人员及政策制定者提出可能的指导原则。