Risks of Stigmatisation Resulting from Assistive Technologies for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Fiachra O'Brolcháin; Bert Gordijn

Risks of Stigmatisation Resulting from Assistive Technologies for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2017:242:265-268.

Authors

Fiachra O'Brolcháin¹, Bert Gordijn²

Affiliations

¹ Theology, Philosophy, & Music, Dublin City University, Ireland.
² Institute of Ethics, Dublin City University, Ireland.

PMID: 28873808

Abstract

This short paper presents a philosophical analysis of the ways in which assistive technologies (ATs) can result in the stigmatisation of users with ASD. It frames the discussion in the context of the medical and social models of disability and outlines a number of ethical risks that might arise from the project of developing ATs.

Keywords: Assistive technologies; ethics and ethical issues; stigmatisation.

MeSH terms

Autism Spectrum Disorder*
Disabled Persons
Humans
Models, Theoretical
Risk
Self-Help Devices*
Social Stigma*