Autism Theory and Technology
MIT's Media Arts and Sciences course examines current theories of autism alongside the practical challenges people on the spectrum face in communication, social interaction, managing cognitive and sensory overload, and building independent lives. Alongside the theory, it surveys technologies researchers are developing to support both understanding and daily functioning, from communication aids to social-skills tools. Students complete weekly readings and discussions and are expected to meet and interact directly with people on the autism spectrum as part of the coursework. The course culminates in a term project applying course concepts to a design or research problem. Materials come from MIT OpenCourseWare and include the syllabus, readings, and assignment structure, free to access under MIT's open license, with no certificate offered.