How I Use My Apple Watch as an Autism Aid | Hacker News Reader

How I Use My Apple Watch as an Autism Aid

nytimes.com

11 pointsykat76 comments

Technology can do amazing things to either benefit or cause endless distractions for Autists.

As designers and developers we need to be aware of this in our work to make sure individuals have the options available to customize the user's experience. Often we think this as just a feature but in this instance, and many like it, customizing can make a tool life changing or basically worthless and even harmful.

Also, this article is a great reminder that Autism is a spectrum and we must be aware there are a fair number of people who go undiagnosed.

This is especially true for females as they are very good at masking. I encourage anyone who may think they or a loved one might be autistic to get a diagnosis. It can literally change your life.

How do you suggest telling someone you think they're autistic? I can't imagine that would be taken in a good manner to be honest.

You are correct. It can go really well and it could go poorly. In my personal experience it has gone well.

First, I AM NOT an expert or any type of PHD in the field. I happen to be fortunate enough to have autists in my family. For them autism can be a super power and a drag at the same time. Making the super power more prominent is what I hope for them.

I believe you need to start by asking these questions of yourself: 1) what is your understanding and view of autism; 2) what are the motivations for bringing it up; 3) what will the individual be able to do with the information?

An undiagnosed individual with autism is often looking for understanding or answers to why their world seems different from others. This difference is often what leads to isolation or other misdiagnoses like depression or anxiety. Providing them a key to understanding their brain is what changes their life.

Along these lines, you can start finding where you can show understanding and be helpful. This will easily lead to conversations and questions. Which in turn can lead to talking about Autism in the abstract and recognizing areas characteristic present themselves. Basically being a friend.

Lastly, this is not some type of intervention. This is helpful and caring recognizing the individuals needs which are unique to them and not covered by a broad label.

I wish I could use something like that but I can't get past the fact that a device would dictate my day. I can't predict how I am going to feel at a given hour, so any scheduling is a road to disappointment and depression. I wish there was an app with a fluid schedule that adapts to current situation. E.g. if my pain levels are high I'd get thrown in some lighter tasks etc. I can imagine setting such schedule would be a chore in itself.

This is actually a fascinating idea. How would you see telling the device your current tolerance for 'tasks'?

Presumably it could check in with you every now and then by asking non-judgemental questions.

"How are you doing?" ("Really well", "not great", "I can't cope")

"Do you feel up to another task?" ("Yes", "Not right now", "Can't right now")

"Do you need to take a rest?" ("No, I'm good", "I will soon", "Yes")

This can be done separately from task prompting, so that someone seeing "How are you doing?" doesn't immediately associate "I'm doing well" with "Give me another task immediately" and start forming negative associations.

Not sure how well that would work, but it's a thought.

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