Connection: Assisting Neurodiverse Individuals in Forming Lasting Relationships Through a Digital Medium

Many neurodiverse individuals experience isolation in adult life with a significant percentage reporting never engaging in long term romantic relationships. Such social isolation can result in critical behavioral and mental health problems such as anxiety, addiction, and depression. Online socialization platforms can aid in relationship building as they are void of many complexities present in face-to-face communication. We conducted an exploratory study (N=10) with neurodiverse and neurotypical young adults to investigate how to design online socialization platforms that enables creating and maintaining lasting relationships, especially for neurodiverse individuals. We focused on understanding their experiences surrounding online socialization platforms, challenges in using them, and unmet needs. To elicit requirements, we designed a prototype socialization platform, Connection. Our findings reveal that there is indeed a great desire for such platforms among neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals.