Neurodiversity

Autism Spectrum

Persona: Maya

Maya, 28, South Asian, rents an apartment and works as a software engineer. An Autistic professional who values predictable, literal interfaces and dislikes unexpected UI changes.

About This Condition

Autistic users may experience sensory input, social communication, and predictability differently. Unexpected UI changes, ambiguous language, sensory-heavy animations, and interactions requiring implicit social inference create friction that consistent, literal, and calm design can reduce.

Digital Challenges

Vague microcopy, sudden modal interruptions, autoplay animations, and interfaces that change layout without warning can cause significant distress. Autistic users often need to know exactly what will happen before taking an action, and design that withholds that clarity creates real barriers.

Assistive Technologies

  • Screen readers
  • reduced motion OS settings
  • keyboard navigation

Design Considerations

Use literal, unambiguous labels on all buttons and form fields. Avoid unexpected layout changes, modal interruptions, or autoplay. Provide clear advance notice before any action that changes the current screen or application state significantly.

Clinical Examples

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)