What Works (and What Doesn’t): Autistic Adults Share Their Digital Tools

ALAG and Autism Hub recently hosted an online evening event on Autism and Digital PA Platforms, exploring how autistic adults in London use technology to support independent living.

This was a lively, discussion-led session with lots of chat contributions. Many attendees use multiple apps daily: travel tools like Citymapper, ticketing platforms such as Trainline, and ride services like Uber. Digital wallets such as Apple Wallet help people manage bank cards, loyalty cards and boarding passes in one place. Health apps, including the NHS App and EMIS, were mentioned for booking appointments and managing records.

Others rely on supermarket delivery apps, weather apps, puzzle games for distraction, and AI tools like Claude to draft emails and support self-advocacy—though environmental concerns about AI data centres were also raised.

But digital doesn’t work for everyone. One participant shared that digital reminders were too easy to snooze or ignore; writing notes on their arm with marker proved far more effective. This sparked an important reminder: neurodivergent-friendly solutions are personal, not one-size-fits-all.

Overall, the evening showed just how embedded apps are in daily life—health, travel, food, events, time management—while highlighting clear gaps. Autistic adults want tools that are consistent, visually clear and genuinely supportive of real-world executive functioning needs.

I enjoyed hosted this engaging and interactive – offering analysis and insights into neurodivergent use of mobile phone technology.

Nick Stone, Autism Hub peer support facilitator & ALAG member, 4 March 2026