Our project
Autism in Affinity Spaces is exploring how autistic young people participate in interest-driven spaces on social networking sites, and how advances in digital communication research can shed light on their unique communication styles, and the formation and maintenance of social relationships in these groups.
Project summary
This project explores the world of online communities formed around different interests such as art or comics, where people share their passions and connect with like-minded peers.
Our goal is to make such communities even more welcoming and accessible, ensuring that diverse communicative and sensory needs and preferences are recognised and respected.
Current research on technology and focused interests in autism is limited to the use of computer games. This project proposes a more comprehensive approach, examining engagement with technology within broader communication environments.
We will use theories and methods that consider not only language or technology skills in isolation, but also the individuals using the social media platforms, their surroundings, interactions, and available resources.
By harnessing cutting-edge research in critical autism studies and digital communication, we will be able to show how young people interact and negotiate power dynamics within these environments, while also identifying barriers to participation.
This is important for enabling interactions between autistic and non-autistic individuals in interest-driven communities, and ultimately for creating more inclusive and equitable digital environments.
By prioritising the perspectives of young people, this project has the potential to spark new forms of understanding, empathy, and collaborative activities both online and offline.
Project aims
- Understand what technology options young people choose or avoid in affinity spaces, and why.
- Establish how language and OTHER semiotic resources (e.g. still or moving images) are used in affinity spaces.
- Develop visual creative methods to explore how young people experience interactions in affinity spaces.
- Affirm neurodiversity by supporting autistic strengths in interest-driven communication and interaction.
- Increase awareness of the role played by interest-driven communication in the lives of autistic people.
Project activities
The project uses a range of data collection methods such as survey, individual and group interviews, and observation of online activities in order to:
- Capture both what people do and say publicly and how they feel privately, for example if young people were feeling anxious when posting in a particular space;
- Identify what works well for autistic youth on social media and what may be driving young people away.
