Abstract

Children and teens with autism can be particularly vulnerable to online dangers and this practical handbook explains how you can help your child to navigate websites, chat rooms and social media safely.

Providing all the information needed to monitor, educate and guide your child's computer use, the book discusses key concerns such as parental control, social networking, grooming, cyberbullying, internet addiction and hacking. The risks and the warning signs to look out for are clearly explained alongside useful advice and examples from real-life experiences. A Digispeak Dictionary is included that decodes the cryptic language of online slang and there are downloadable forms to help record your child's internet use.

The practical solutions in this book will give you peace of mind and ensure that your child can enjoy the educational and social benefits of the internet in safety.

Nicola Lonie has over 10 years' experience working for a large autism charity as IT specialist and Webmaster. She has designed and presented online safety courses to children with autism and ADHD at schools. She currently works on a self-employed basis as a web designer and computer consultant. She is the mother of a teenage son with autism and she lives in Northamptonshire, UK.
Online Safety for children and teens on the autism spectrum is packed with practical strategies, approaches and examples to help carers and parents ensure that their children enjoy the educational and social benefits of the Internet in safety... The author has extensive experience of working both within the IT sector and with autistic children... This is a very readable and well laid out guide... The chapters are backed up by excellent case studies... At the end of the book, there is a very comprehensive A-Z terminology... This book is an excellent publication, there is so much great advice in its pages which we can all use everyday... It would also equally appeal to parents/carers of non-autistic children and would be of interest to professionals, social workers and teachers working with vulnerable children... highly recommended.
Alan Scragg, ICT Teacher and the parent of a teenager with autism
GAP - Good Autism Practice
Understanding the dangers of the internet is the first stage in protecting our children. This readable guide equips anyone concerned with the welfare of children with ASD with essential information on the key issues together with strategies to counter unsafe internet use.
Julia Hardcastle, Managing Director, Autism Concern