Reducing Stigma Around Neurodiversity Through the Use of Celebratory Technology Ice Breakers in First-Year Undergraduate Classrooms

<p>Celebratory technology for Neurodiversity is a new paradigm in the field of human computer interaction; it focuses on reducing stigma surrounding neurodivergent labels and behaviors. Celebratory technology aims to highlight the strengths of neurodiversity rather than fixing socially undesired traits, shifting the responsibility for change from neurodivergent individuals to society's attitudes. Stigma reduction can be accomplished through providing high quality interactions, where anyone can meet and learn about positive traits in others as well as learn of interests' others have in common, thus reframing neurodivergence as inclusion in human diversity rather than a condition to be stigmatized or objectified. This work addresses a critical pain point: first impressions. This project specifically targets first year undergraduate students with declared STEM majors, in two parts. The first goal of sharing unique positive traits is attempted by providing all students with ice breaker questions that are summarized through an image of a colorful disco ball, where each color represents a specific non-demographic and non-stigmatizing trait for different aspects of their identity. Through these connections, students are directed to focus more on their ice breaker-driven commonalities with other students rather than their perceived stereotypic differences. Students are then grouped based on one of three algorithms using their disco balls as the input data. The second goal is to facilitate making collaborative small groups using these algorithms with hope that they will lower the barrier for entry of inclusion for students with historically stigmatized characteristics of autism. This study examines how algorithmic group assignments based on diverse communication styles impact student compatibility, stigma towards neurodivergence, and the quality of interactions. Groups formed using a diverse communication algorithm showed greater stability and satisfaction, suggesting that complementary communication traits enhance collaboration. While quantitative measures showed no significant change in stigma, interviews revealed potential hidden biases and the importance of high-quality, organic interactions in fostering acceptance of neurodivergent peers. Ultimately, inclusion is not about changing individuals, but about intentionally designing inclusive environments that foster meaningful connections where students of all backgrounds can thrive.</p>

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Year

2025

Author dc:creator

• Craig, Briana

Contributors dc:contributor

• LouAnne Boyd
• Franceli Cibrian
• Trudi Qi
• Jonathan Humphreys

• celebratory technology
• human computer interaction
• stigma
• neurodiversity
• disability
• autism
• Disability Studies
• Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces
• Software Engineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/eecs_theses/4

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.chapman.edu:eecs_theses-1004