research-article

Social use of computer-mediated communication by adults on the autism spectrum

Authors:

Diane WilliamsAuthors Info & Claims

CSCW '10: Proceedings of the 2010 ACM conference on Computer supported cooperative work

Pages 425 - 434

https://doi.org/10.1145/1718918.1718991

Published: 06 February 2010 Publication History

Abstract

The defining characteristics of autism, including difficulty with nonverbal cues and need for structure, and the defining characteristics of computer-mediated communication (CMC), including reduction of extraneous cues and structured exchange, suggest the two would be an ideal match. Interviews and observations of 16 adults on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum reveal that many seek greater social connectedness and take advantage of interest-based online communities to foster successful, supportive relationships. However, CMC intensifies problems of trust, disclosure, inflexible thinking, and perspective-taking, making it difficult for some to maintain relationships. Interventions in the form of information visualization and CMC-specific social skills training are presented. Intervention considerations and participatory design opportunities are discussed.

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Index Terms

Social use of computer-mediated communication by adults on the autism spectrum
1. Human-centered computing
  1. Collaborative and social computing
    1. Collaborative and social computing theory, concepts and paradigms
      1. Computer supported cooperative work
  2. Human computer interaction (HCI)
    1. Interaction paradigms
      1. Web-based interaction
2. Social and professional topics
  1. Professional topics
    1. Computing and business
      1. Computer supported cooperative work

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cover image ACM Conferences

CSCW '10: Proceedings of the 2010 ACM conference on Computer supported cooperative work

February 2010

468 pages

ISBN:9781605587950

DOI:10.1145/1718918

General Chairs:
Kori Inkpen
Microsoft Research, USA
,
Carl Gutwin
University of Saskatchewan, Canada
,
Program Chair:
John Tang
Microsoft Research, USA

Copyright © 2010 ACM.

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Published: 06 February 2010

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February 6 - 10, 2010

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https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020182
Yang NCrespi B(2025)I tweet, therefore I am: a systematic review on social media use and disorders of the social brainBMC Psychiatry10.1186/s12888-025-06528-625:1Online publication date: 3-Feb-2025
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06528-6
Arias-Magnasco ALin BPries LGuloksuz S(2025)Mapping the exposome of mental health: exposome-wide association study of mental health outcomes among UK Biobank participantsPsychological Medicine10.1017/S003329172400301555Online publication date: 7-Feb-2025
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