Social Media
Do you use social media a lot? Do you find it a useful way to connect with other people?
But have you had any problems too?
Is this an area where you come into conflict with your family?
Let’s start with the positives:
- It’s a way to communicate and socialise which can feel easier than real life
- You don’t need to worry about non-verbal communications like gesture and facial expressions
- It’s easier to find people who share your interests and passions
- You can express yourself, and share your creativity
- You can communicate and make friends with people all over the world
- You can find out about anything at any hour of the day
- You can learn how to interact online safely and effectively, there are many safeguards that can be used
- If you want to, you can find online autism communities to join
Pitfalls can include:
- Not being sure that the person you communicate really is who they say they are
- There are many online scams to avoid
- Cyberbullying is very common, both from people you know and strangers
- People who contact you online may be able to find you in real life too
- You can get too obsessed with the online world and withdraw from the real life world
Luckily, there are several places where you can inform yourself about all the pros and cons of the digital world, see below.
Wrong Planet - Online Social Hub For People On The Spectrum
Have you heard of Wrong Planet? This is a website with articles, video and forums where people on the spectrum meet and discuss their issues, share experiences and learn from each other.
Resources To Use
Cybersmart
Cybersmart is the Australian Government’s national cybersafety and cybersecurity education program. It has a section for teenagers aged 13 – 18 years, and also a section for parents. Cybersmart is a very comprehensive site, with information presented in videos as well as in question and answer format.
Topics range from a ‘How Do I deal with… Cyberbullying, identity theft, sexting..’ to protecting your money online and even how to help your parents understand the online world.
It’s well worth spending plenty of time familiarising yourself with the section most relevant to you.
Autism Expressed
This is an online digital literacy program specifically designed for students with autism. It starts out with very basic skills and builds to a sound knowledge of online and digital media and skills. There are hundreds of lessons, many presented on video, which learners progress through in their own time frame. Autism Expressed is a cloud-based service which charges a monthly subscription.
Social Media
The online world is both a blessing and a curse. You hear as many stories of digital disaster as you do of technology being used well.
“Aspie kids are super vulnerable. Parents need to know their stuff, to keep their young person safe.
But it can be a fantastic way to communicate.”
For many parents like us, the use of social media is a real double-edged sword. Our kids can make good connections online, but it can keep them away from the real world where they might find socialising much harder.
We need to help them find some life balance.
We also need to try to help them keep themselves safe, both physically and mentally.
“It’s good to use the technology but we need to be clear about privacy settings and what apps are being used and whether they are safe.
I wouldn’t allow any apps where random strangers can get in touch.”
Luckily, there are several places where you can inform yourself about all the pros and cons of the digital world.
“Technology and typing can work so well with young people who struggle with body language. But we really need to teach good online etiquette.
They need to learn to STOP AND BLOCK the abuser who is not behaving rationally.
Our kids often try to reason with people , but when people get abusive that won’t work and they need to block them.”
Resources To Use
Cybersmart
Cybersmart is the Australian Government’s national cybersafety and cybersecurity education program. It has a section for teenagers aged 13 – 18 years, and also a section for parents. Cybersmart is a very comprehensive site, with information presented in videos as well as in question and answer format.
Topics range from a ‘How Do I deal with… Cyberbullying, identity theft, sexting..’ to protecting your money online and even how to help your parents understand the online world.
It’s well worth spending plenty of time familiarising yourself with the section most relevant to you.
The Cyber Safety Lady
Sydney-based Leonie Smith’s comprehensive website is an invaluable resource for parents and young people who want to make sure their digital life is safe and sensible. Leonie has many videos showing things like how to set your privacy settings on Facebook. Her blog and Facebook page can keep you up with changes in the online world.
The Cyber Safety Lady website here
Common Sense Media
A US-based website that rates, educates and advocates for kids, families and schools. ‘Common Sense is dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology.’
Common Sense Media website here
Autism Expressed
This is an online digital literacy program specifically designed for students with autism. It starts out with very basic skills and builds to a sound knowledge of online and digital media and skills. There are hundreds of lessons, many presented on video, which learners progress through in their own time frame. Autism Expressed is a cloud-based service which charges a monthly subscription.
Growing Up On The Spectrum
by Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik
This excellent book has a chapter on ‘Managing Modern Technology.’
Click on Our Stories on the right hand side of the page or click here for personal stories about social media.
