Autism and Tech

Technology and autism have a special, almost symbiotic relationship. For me — and many others on the spectrum — computers, code, and digital tools are more than just a hobby: they're a language, a playground, and a form of self-expression.

Here’s some thoughts, explorations, and tools that combine the two worlds — autism and the digital.

Why Tech?

• Patterns and Logic: Thinking in systems, patterns, or logic can be easier to express and experience through tech — programming, data, or even design logic is often more predictable than human behavior.
• Control and Consistency: Tech is a world I can control and understand. This consistency is a powerful comfort that helps manage sensory overload or unpredictability.
• Mental Models: Computers help visualize mental models. If I'm thinking in flows, logic trees, or complex concepts, the code or architecture mirrors that kind of thinking naturally.

ASD-Driven Tech Hacks

Some of the tools I've created or used to help with autism-specific needs:

• Autism-Focused Productivity Tools
• Mind Mapping for Decision Making
• Tech for Navigation in Social Contexts

Examples and Code Snippets

Here are some code examples that I've found particularly useful. You can expand or modify these for your own purposes.

1. Focus Mode for Deep Work

function enterFocusMode() {
  document.body.classList.add('focus-mode');
  localStorage.setItem('lastFocusTime', Date.now());
  alert("Entering deep work focus mode!");
}

Add these styles to your CSS to visually enforce this mode:

.focus-mode {
  filter: grayscale(50%);
  color: #fff;
  background-color: #1a1a1a;
}

.focus-mode h1, .focus-mode h2 {
  color: #00b3b3;
}

Want to contribute ideas?

Feel free to send your ideas or code snippets by typing into the browser console:

console.log("Autism & Tech Idea: Visual communication scripts for code")

Then email the message to nullaustinwiki@example.com — or just post it to GitHub or your own site. All the best!

Built with Tailwind CSS and a passion for combining tech and self-discovery.