ONLINE SAFETY
Supporting autistic children and teens to stay safe online has never been more important.
For over two decades, I’ve worked with families, schools, and organisations to help them understand the digital world and create safer online experiences for young people.
My book, Online Safety for Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum – A Parent's & Carer's Guide, was first published in 2015 and has been fully updated several times since - most recently in 2025, with an expanded chapter explaining The UK’s Online Safety Act and what it means for autistic children, teens, and their families.
This page brings together my work in online safety, offering clear, practical guidance shaped by years of experience supporting hundreds of autistic young people.
My approach is simple:
Empower parents and carers with calm, realistic, and autism-informed advice that actually works.
Why Online Safety Matters Even More for Autistic Children & Teens
Autistic young people often use online spaces to connect, learn, play, and express themselves. These digital environments can offer community and comfort - but they also present unique risks, including:
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misunderstanding social cues or online intentions
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vulnerability to grooming, manipulation, or exploitation
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increased exposure to inappropriate content
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difficulties recognising scams, fake profiles, and unsafe websites
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challenges coping with online conflict, bullying, or unexpected changes
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reliance on routines, which can make online habits harder to interrupt
My work focuses on helping families understand these risks without fear-mongering, and providing strategies that build confidence, not anxiety.
About the Updated 2025 Edition of the Book
The latest version of the book includes a major new chapter:
The UK’s Online Safety Act – What It Really Means for Autistic Children & Teens, and for You
This chapter breaks down the law in a straightforward, parent-friendly way. It explains:
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what platforms are now required to do
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how the Act protects children and vulnerable users
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what changes families can expect to see on social media and gaming platforms
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how the new rules apply to autistic young people specifically
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what parents and carers should still do at home to stay safe
The updated edition also includes refreshed guidance on gaming, apps, social media, device settings, digital boundaries, online friendships, and managing screen time in autism-friendly ways.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
COMING 2026
How I Can Help
In addition to my book, I offer:
Parent / Carer Guidance
Clear, neurodiversity-affirming advice tailored to the needs of autistic children and teens.
School & Organisation Support
Workshops, resource packs, and training for teams working with young people.
Website, App & Digital Safety Consulting
Helping organisations design safer, more inclusive digital environments for autistic users.
Practical Tools & StrategiesEasy-to-follow guidance on filters, parental controls, conversations about safety, and supporting emotional regulation around online activities.
My Approach
I combine lived experience, professional expertise, and up-to-date research to deliver guidance that is:
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autism-informed
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realistic for busy families
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sensitive, supportive, and non-judgmental
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based on how children and teens actually use technology today
Online safety is not about fear - it’s about equipping young people with skills, confidence, and understanding so they can enjoy the online world safely and independently.
Recommended Online Safety Tools & Devices
BLUE-LIGHT FILTERING GLASSES
Blue-light glasses can make screen use much more comfortable, especially for autistic children and teens who experience sensory sensitivity. Screens emit blue light that can cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty winding down at night.
Many autistic young people already struggle with visual sensitivity, sleep regulation, or become easily overwhelmed by bright or flickering light - so reducing this strain can have a noticeable positive effect.
Blue-light filtering glasses gently soften the harshness of screens without changing how the display looks, making them ideal for gaming, online learning, social media use, and video calls. They are lightweight, affordable, and come in child-friendly sizes. For some children, simply reducing visual discomfort can lead to better focus, calmer screen sessions, and easier transitions away from devices later in the day.
WECAM COVERS
Webcam covers are one of the quickest and most effective ways to protect your child’s privacy. Even with strong device security, cameras can sometimes be activated accidentally or through apps your child doesn’t fully understand. A physical cover ensures the camera cannot be used unless you choose to slide it open.
For autistic children and teens who may not always recognise when a camera is active - or who may feel anxious about being seen - webcam covers provide peace of mind. They’re inexpensive, easy to attach, and work on laptops, tablets, and even some phones. This small addition creates a powerful layer of protection against unauthorised access and unexpected on-screen moments.
FIDGET TOYS
Supporting Focus, Regulation, and Calm During Screen Use
Fidget toys can be incredibly helpful for autistic children and teens, especially during online learning, gaming sessions, or when navigating social platforms that may feel unpredictable or overwhelming.
These small, handheld items provide a safe outlet for movement and sensory input, helping young people regulate their emotions and stay grounded while using devices.
Having a fidget toy nearby can reduce stress, improve focus, and make it easier for children to listen, wait, or process instructions during video calls or online lessons. They can also help with transitions - for example, pausing a game, waiting for a page to load, or calming down after encountering something upsetting online.
Fidget toys come in many textures and styles, allowing each child to choose what feels best for them. When used alongside healthy digital habits, they play a simple but powerful role in supporting comfort, concentration, and emotional wellbeing.
Learn More
You can find out more about my work, current projects, and additional resources throughout this website.
For more information contact me if you'd like support for your family, school, or organisation.