Involving autistic people in the design, development and evaluation of technologies

This presentation will explore participatory design methods in the context of involving autistic people of all ages in the design, development and evaluation of technologies. This topic will be explored through highlighting what can be learned from participatory methods used in research more widely in the field of autism, and exploring current controversies and practical difficulties regarding the involvement of autistic people in the design of technologies. It will be argued in this presentation that researchers and designers must always question their assumptions and interpretations of autistic ways of being, as well as seeking to build inclusive communities of practice where autistic people can be fully engaged in the design process.