Parent perspectives on the impact of T his is M e digital self-advocacy tools for neurodivergent individuals with communication support needs

This is Me (TiME) is a customized assistive technology (AT) tool for neurodivergent individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring communication support needs designed to support self-advocacy across settings and communication partners. TiME highlights key information representing the individual using strengths-based, neuro-affirming language and corresponding pictures and videos. Researchers interviewed 30 parents of TiME users in schools and inpatient clinical settings to understand the perceived impact of TiME, and also conducted social validity interviews with 18 individuals with whom TiME tools were created. Qualitative analysis was used to identify key themes, and findings indicated that parents perceived TiME to offer an excellent introduction to the individual; support communication with novel partners; facilitate independence/self-advocacy; and take a holistic, strengths-based approach. These findings help build the research base for TiME and suggest that parents are eager to implement the tool offering an effective and readily available means of supporting self-advocacy for neurodivergent individuals.