In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on digital accessibility for autistic individuals, as it can play a vital role in empowering their communication and engagement.
Individuals with autism often experience challenges with communication and social interactions, which can lead to social isolation. Therefore, communication is a crucial aspect of digital accessibility for individuals with autism. Technology provides options for individuals with autism to express themselves, engage with others, and develop a sense of community that may be more comfortable.
But the alternative means of communication these digital platforms provide can only benefit autistic users if they're accessible.
What communication challenges do autistic people face?
Many individuals with autism communicate differently, which can cause friction during face-to-face conversations. And when they cannot communicate with others in ways widely accepted or expected by society, it can lead to social isolation and exclusion.
No two autistic people experience things the same way. Communication differences manifest in:
- Not maintaining eye contact.
- Not recognizing or responding to social cues.
- Struggling with small talk.
- Maintaining a back-and-forth conversation.
- Using words differently.
- Misinterpreting sarcasm or the unspoken meaning behind things.
For some people, their unique way of communicating may be very noticeable. But other people may be accustomed enough to masking their differences or mirroring others that their communication differences go unnoticed. Additionally, some people don't speak or go through periods of not speaking.
For autistic individuals who find it challenging to communicate and engage with others, trying to do so so that others read as normal can take a toll. And the rejection and isolation that can come with being unable to meet the expectations of social norms can negatively impact one's sense of belonging and overall well-being.
How can digital platforms help with communication?
For most of the world, the days when talking face-to-face or making a phone call were the only options for communicating in real-time are far behind us. Digital platforms facilitate text messaging, video calls, and entire social media networks, each offering alternative ways to connect with others and express oneself.
And having these alternatives gives autistic individuals an opportunity to explore ways of communicating that may feel more natural to them. For example:
- Someone may be nonverbal or struggle with spoken communication but excel at written communication.
- The expected delay with sending messages back and forth can help ease the pressure one may feel when trying to maintain a face-to-face conversation.
- Emojis, images, and other media can establish context and supplement communication.
- Those who have difficulty connecting in person can connect over video calls.
- Social media networks can provide a way to find community and people with shared interests.
While these are some ways that digital platforms can help make communication itself more accessible, the platforms also need to be accessible to do so successfully. So it's important to follow inclusive design best practices and comply with accessibility standards.
How does accessible digital communication help autistic users engage?
The impact of accessible digital communication options extends beyond personal communication. Every aspect of society still relies on interpersonal communication, and it relies more heavily on digital technology with each passing day.
So digital accessibility is crucial to ensuring people with autism can engage with and contribute to society.
Education
Many individuals with autism have unique learning styles and may struggle in traditional classroom settings. Plus, online learning is becoming more common, especially after COVID-19.
Online learning platforms can provide autistic learners with more flexible education programs that suit their learning styles, allow for customization, and may be self-paced, leading to better academic outcomes.
Employment
Many individuals with autism have unique abilities and strengths that can make them valuable employees in the right work environment. But traditional employment may not always be the best fit.
Digital collaboration and communication platforms allow some roles to be remote, giving autistic employees more agency to ensure their working environment is tailored to how they work best.
Seeking goods, services, and support
Social anxiety or difficulties with communication can cause some autistic individuals to avoid unnecessary outings, which could limit how much they engage with brands that only have physical locations.
Accessible online storefronts, websites, and points of contact give autistic users alternative ways to engage with businesses and organizations, increasing reach and inclusivity.
Final thoughts
Communication is complex, and the pressure that one can feel when the way they communicate is considered different can be overwhelming. Accessible digital tools can give autistic individuals alternative ways of engaging with others and the world, relieving some of that pressure and giving them more agency to express themselves and apply their potential.
And this can empower them not only in daily personal communication but also in pursuing education, work opportunities, and engaging with the businesses and organizations they're interested in with more agency and autonomy.
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