The Digital World and Neurodiversity: Autism in the Technological Revolution – a Narrative Review

With the rapid development of digital technologies such as social robots, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and social media, new ways are emerging to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in crucial areas of their lives, such as diagnosis, communication, independence in education, and social integration. To treat autism as a natural neurological variation rather than merely a disorder, this article conducts a multifaceted analysis of the potential of these technologies within the framework of neurodiversity. The article highlights the key benefits that digital tools can offer to people with ASD, such as personalising therapy and education plans, supporting social skills and increasing their independence to the best of their individual abilities. In addition, the article identifies and highlights the difficulties and challenges that come with putting these tools into practice, including the potential over-reliance on technology at the expense of interpersonal relationships, ethical concerns about data privacy or the risk of stigma.