Infrastructuring Neurodiversity Publics: The Co-Design of an App for People with Autism

Over the past three decades, the autistic community has increasingly recognized the need to challenge prevailing discourses and practices traditionally linked to pathologizing interpretations of autistic experiences. Central to this shift has been the neurodiversity movement, which views autism as a variation in brain function rather than a disability. While direct activism has been widely analyzed, its role in formal participatory contexts has received less attention. This study explores the co-design process of an application initially intended to assess the abilities of individuals with autism for labor market integration through Participatory Action Research. The findings show a significant transformation of the app, evolving into a platform aligned with activist perspectives. Drawing on Science and Technology Studies, this work describes the app as a catalyst in creating ‘neurodiversity publics.’ The study highlights the potential of blending activism with formal participatory spaces and the importance of material-semiotic configurations in promoting social change.