Autism In Online Dating With Hiki - The Autism Dating App (Thoughty Auti Podcast)
Channel: Thomas Henley
Date: 2023-01-22

Should you disclose your autism in online dating? What is it like to date as an autistic person? Why and how was Hiki created?

Jamil Karriem (@HikiApp) is the owner of an Autism dating app called Hiki, released in July 2019. Featured in a Forbes magazine, Jamil was inspired to create the dating app when his Autistic cousin expressed difficulty in finding friendship and love. 

Within the episode, we talk all about his creative spin on the co-produced design of this autism dating app and how he's created a dating app for autistic people, designed by autistic people.

Hiki's Links - https://linktr.ee/Hiki // My Links - https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK

Kicking off the conversation they talk about their workplace experiences and changes during the pandemic, as well as the importance of interpersonal relationships for autistic individuals. With a background in sociology research, Jamil explains the reality facing many autistic people - loneliness, isolation and significant mental health issues. Self-reported success rates in dating and making friends seems to be highly concerning.

Thomas mentions what his experience of online dating has been like as an autistic man and how apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge can be difficult to navigate. Through a lot of community-based service design and a team made up of 80% Autistic adults, Jamil believes Hiki is the solution.

Jamil's role as a neurotypical CEO is to empower his team and community to design and run the Autism dating app, taking a backseat and supporting his co-workers to make change happen. He believes that diversity in an organisation is important for adding to the melting pot of ideas, solutions, and experiences... and he is right, but only when the business is inclusive and supportive of all its employees.

The contrast between 'real life' and online interactions can be very jarring and complex to understand. Men in general tend to struggle due to the volume of male users on these apps, but they can inspire plentiful levels of self-doubt. Autistic people may struggle much more in understanding the complex world of online dating, whether to disclose your autism upfront or pick up on the signs someone is dangerous.

Hiki seeks to be different to mainstream dating apps, providing a safe space for community, friendship and love. Inclusive to all genders, non-binary individuals, LGBTQA+ members and much more... Jamil celebrates each and every success story emailed in. Hiki also seeks to further improve the user experience for autistic people in the future, allowing them to feel comfortable in experiencing all aspects of social life.

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