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Cited by 35Assistive Technology in Communication and MobilityDigital Accessibility for DisabilitiesInnovative Human-Technology Interaction

Cyborg Assemblages: How autistic adults construct sociotechnical networks to support cognitive function

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Williams, Rua Mae, Park, Chorong·2023·Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
DOI 10.1145/3544548.3581556
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Abstract

Autism has become a popular context for accessible technology researchers, yet a majority of HCI projects for autism and ADHD do not engage in participatory methods or otherwise involve disabled stakeholders in the project and research design. Prior inquiry has identified executive function as a common difficulty for which technologies may provide novel benefits. In this study, we explore how autistic adults currently use technologies, broadly defined, to augment executive function and support themselves in day-to-day tasks. We collect qualitative data from narratives elicited during informal asynchronous interviews to conduct a digital ethnomethodology. Following from principles of Design Justice, crip technoscience, and cyborg assemblage theory, we investigate how autistic adults articulate their own sociotechnical environments into technologically mediated assemblages of executive function and interpersonal webs of care. These patterns of sociotechnical formation inform future work in research and design for tools that can mediate executive function for all users.

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Authors
Williams, R. M., & Park, C.
Affiliations
  • Computer Graphics and Technology, Purdue University, United States
  • Purdue University West Lafayette (US)
ORCID
Venue
Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Publisher
ACM
Published
2023-04-19
Pages
1-15
DOI
10.1145/3544548.3581556
OpenAlex
W4366771614
Cited by
35
References
61
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 1
FWCI
22.15
Type
conference paper
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (publishedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
Social Science Research Council Just Tech Fellowship
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility
  • Social Sciences › Human Factors and Ergonomics › Digital Accessibility for Disabilities
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Innovative Human-Technology Interaction
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, autistic adults, executive function, assistive technology, sociotechnical networks, design justice, self-management, interpersonal care, accessible technology, participatory design

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