Participatory Methods to Engage Autistic People in the Design of Digital Technology: A Systematic Literature Review.

The review synthesises design-process themes, not clinical outcomes, so it cannot show that participatory design or digital technology improves health, communication, or functional abilities. Included studies were small and varied; participatory design workshops had 6 to 20 participants, and sample sizes differed because some studies also used surveys or interviews. Many studies included parents, teachers, support workers, or other adults, so findings may reflect mediated participation rather than only autistic people's direct experiences. The review excluded participants under 12, so it does not address how to involve younger autistic children. Searches were limited to English peer-reviewed papers from 1 January 2004 to 20 October 2021, so relevant non-English or newer work may be missing. Quality appraisal scores varied, and some included studies were rated low, which can weaken the synthesis. Thematic analysis can emphasise similarities across studies and may miss diverse or contradictory findings. Three authors conducted screening and coding, but potential bias remains despite independent review and discussion.

Funding is reported as Erasmus+. The supplied text does not give an author conflict-of-interest declaration.

Do not read this as evidence that participatory design or digital technology improves clinical or communication outcomes. It is a systematic review of design-process themes from qualitative and mixed-methods studies, and many included studies used parents, teachers, or support workers as proxies, so it does not show that a therapy or technology worked.