If you are a parent, carer or work with young people with ASD you will be aware of the fact that the internet is a part of most of their lives.

It is very common nowadays to hear that young people are a lot more skilled when using technology than most adults. However, this does not mean that they are aware of the possible dangers associated with online activities such as web browsing, social media and online gaming.

The internet can benefit young people with ASD in many ways; social media and gaming sites can offer them the opportunity to make new friends with whom they can share interests, online forums allow them to interact and share information with other ASD  sufferers, school research is easily carried out from home, etc…

Unfortunatelly, there are risks related to internet use that young people with ASD are more vulnarable to. There are, however, many ways in which parents, carers and school staff can assist autistic young people to enjoy the benefits of the internet safely.

Reputable gaming and social media sites offer safety and privacy features, so it is very important for adults to learn how to use these effectively.

Another challenge faced by autistic young people is their lack of communication skills, they often fail to identify the meaning of what they read or listen to. Their tendency to take things literally can be a source of misunderstanding, stress and anxiety. Informing and supporting young people with ASD about these issues is an important role for their parents and carers. It is also key to carefully monitor how much time is spent on the internet and which activities are being engaged in online.

Good communication and trust between young people with ASD and those who support and care for them is vital in order to give them the appropriate help and advice on how to stay safe on the internet.

There is a variety of support available to parents and carers including podcasts from the UK Safer Internet Centre.

UK Safer Internet Centre Interview with Vicky Shotbolt from Parent Zone:

For more advice and information: