Specializing social networking services for young adults with autism.

ABSTRACTIndependence is key to a successful transition to adulthood for all young people. However, attaining a satisfying independent life is challenge for those with autism because of qualitative differences in restricted behaviors as well as social interaction. My dissertation examines the way social computing systems may play a role in supporting independence of adolescents and adults living on the autism spectrum. I focus on utilizing social networking services to facilitate the process of collective information or advice seeking. This work demonstrates some limitations of current architecture of social networking services and provides insight into how social computing systems might be better designed to support the everyday lives of these individuals.