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How do I make sure my child is safe online?
In an era where children and teens are growing up surrounded by screens, online safety has become an essential focus for every family. However, for parents and caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental needs, like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), online safety for children with ASD requires extra thought and preparation.
Yes, the internet is a valuable tool; it offers access to information, social connections, and entertainment. Still, it also presents risks, especially for individuals on the spectrum, who may face unique challenges online.
So, you are a parent or caregiver wondering how best to keep your loved one safe while allowing them to benefit from the internet, keep reading this blog by ABA Centers of Georgia as we will explore why online safety is critical and provide practical strategies that parents can use to ensure a safer online experience.
Why is Online Safety for Children with ASD Critical?
For individuals with autism, navigating online interactions can present certain complexities. Many individuals on the spectrum have difficulties understanding social cues, managing emotions, and recognizing signs of potential harm. This way of navigating the world and interacting with others can make them more vulnerable to online risks like cyberbullying, exploitation, and identity theft.
While anyone can be affected by these issues, individuals with ASD may be at greater risk due to differences in social awareness and communication. For example, someone on the spectrum might take online interactions at face value, assuming that everyone they encounter is trustworthy, which can leave them more open to manipulation or unintentional breaches of privacy.
According to Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, individuals with ASD are less likely than their non-autistic peers to block people or websites, possibly leaving them more exposed to harmful content. In their study, they interviewed 14 autistic youth (ages 11–17) to learn more about their online safety behaviors and challenges. The results showed that many had been victims of cyberbullying, and some young women reported online sexual harassment. Overall, participants expressed a need for better support in blocking unwanted messages or people.
Common Online Risks for Individuals with ASD
Tech is excellent for many reasons: it can help with communication, keep kids engaged, and make learning a fun experience. But it’s essential to also consider the downsides.
Spending too much time on screens can lead to feeling isolated and might slow down the growth of vital social skills. When individuals prioritize screen time over new interactions, it can sometimes lead to online addiction. Let’s discover other potential risks:
Cyberbullying: Many individuals with ASD struggle with understanding sarcasm or social nuances, which can make them easy targets for online bullies. They may not immediately recognize that specific comments are harmful, and they might respond in ways that unintentionally fuel the bullying.
Scams and Online Fraud: Due to a tendency to be trusting, individuals with ASD might be more susceptible to scams or fraudulent schemes, such as phishing emails or fake accounts. They may not know how to verify the legitimacy of online offers, increasing their risk of falling victim to fraud.
Inappropriate Content: Without proper monitoring, individuals with ASD could stumble upon content that’s not age-appropriate or that may be disturbing.
Privacy and Information Sharing: Understanding the importance of online privacy can be challenging for individuals with autism. They may unknowingly share personal details like their full name, address, or phone number on social media or gaming platforms, putting their safety at risk.
Addiction and Compulsive Behavior: Many individuals with ASD are prone to forming repetitive habits, and this can extend to internet use. They might become fixated on particular websites or online activities, which can interfere with their daily life and social development.
Fantasy vs. Reality: The internet can sometimes create an illusion of reality that’s hard for anyone to disentangle. For instance, individuals might form attachments to virtual characters, chatbots, or online personas, potentially mistaking these interactions for genuine friendships or relationships. While some virtual experiences can be harmless, others might confuse or distress children when they struggle to distinguish between the digital world and real-life interactions.
Why Online Risks Differ a Bit for Those with Autism
Individuals with ASD often experience unique communication and cognitive differences that can affect their online behavior. For example, while neurotypical individuals may be able to pick up on subtle cues indicating a scam, individuals with autism may need more explicit guidance on identifying these cues. Additionally, many people on the spectrum tend to take language literally, which can impact their ability to discern hidden intentions or irony.
The study Are autistic children more vulnerable online? Explored online safety risks for autistic children, comparing them with their non-autistic peers. Using a survey completed by two groups of parents—those of autistic children (63) and non-autistic children (41)—researchers examined each child’s online behaviors, well-being, and the confidence parents felt in managing these risks, known as parental self-efficacy (PSE). Findings showed that children with ASD faced more online risks and experienced poorer well-being than non-autistic children, especially if they encountered online safety threats. Parents of autistic children also reported lower confidence in managing these risks.
Strategies for Keeping Your Loved One Safe Online
As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in guiding your loved one’s online experience. Here are six proactive steps to ensure a safer internet experience for individuals with ASD:
- Set Clear Rules and Boundaries: Establish straightforward, concrete rules for internet use, such as which sites are safe to visit, what type of information should not be shared, and how much time they can spend online. Revisit these rules regularly to reinforce safe habits.
- Teach About Privacy and Personal Information: Use simple, direct language to explain what personal information is (e.g., full name, address, phone number) and why this info should be private. Use examples of safe versus unsafe sharing and reinforce these concepts through role-play or visual aids.
- Discuss Online “Strangers” and Friendships: Explain the concept of strangers in online spaces. Individuals with ASD might assume that online “friends” are the same as in-person friends. Emphasize that not everyone online “is a friend” or someone to have trust in and that it’s always okay to ask you if they’re unsure about someone.
- Use Parental Controls and Monitoring Software: Set up parental controls on devices to block inappropriate content and monitor online activity. Some software can also help set time limits, ensuring balanced screen time. Make sure to explain why these controls are in place so they understand it’s for their safety.
- Teach Online Etiquette and Social Cues: Because individuals with ASD may struggle with recognizing sarcasm or understanding complex emotions, practicing online etiquette can be helpful. Show them examples of polite versus inappropriate responses and guide them on how to react to negative or confusing messages.
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where your loved one feels comfortable coming to you if they encounter something confusing, scary, or upsetting online. Regular check-ins can help address any concerns before they escalate.
The Role of ABA Therapy in Promoting Online Safety
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy can be an invaluable tool in supporting individuals with ASD as they learn to navigate the online world. ABA therapy teaches positive behaviors and skills in a structured, step-by-step manner, which can be particularly effective for understanding complex online interactions. For example, through ABA, individuals can learn to recognize potential online risks and develop responses that promote safety.
An ABA therapist can also help create customized “social stories” that demonstrate online scenarios, reinforcing safe behavior in a way that is relatable and easily understood. Moreover, ABA’s focus on positive reinforcement allows individuals to practice safe online habits in a supportive, encouraging setting, which can boost their confidence and independence online and in general settings.
How ABA Centers of Georgia Can Support You
At ABA Centers of Georgia, we help families in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buckhead, and Marietta to create safe, supportive environments for individuals with autism. We understand the unique challenges of navigating online and offline concerns, and our expert ABA therapists are skilled in addressing them. Through personalized ABA programs, we teach essential skills that empower individuals with ASD and their families to make safe and informed decisions.
Our dedicated team provides compassionate care, ensuring that each individual receives tailored support based on their strengths, preferences, and needs. If you’re looking for guidance on online safety or additional ABA support, we’re here to help every step of the way. Call us at (855) 929-5058 or fill out the online form so we can call you back and review your inquiries and check your insurance benefits.
