Online Safety for Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum

Fully Updated 4th Edition

The Internet and modern technology are now a major part of everyday life for children and teenagers - from social media, gaming and YouTube to smartphones, online learning and artificial intelligence. While the online world can offer enormous educational, social and creative benefits, it can also present unique risks and challenges for autistic children and teens.

In this fully updated 4th Edition of Online Safety for Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum, I provide parents, carers and professionals with practical, clear and accessible guidance on helping autistic young people stay safer, more confident and better supported online.

Drawing on many years of experience working within the autism field, delivering online safety training in schools and supporting families and professionals, this book explores the real-world online risks autistic children and teens may face - alongside practical strategies to help reduce those risks while encouraging safe, positive and independent use of technology.

Topics covered include:
 

• Social media safety

• Online grooming and exploitation

• Cyberbullying

• Gaming safety

• Online addiction and excessive screen-time

• Privacy and sharing personal information

• Parental controls and monitoring

• Scams, hacking and online manipulation

• Smartphones and online communication

• Safe online behaviour and digital wellbeing

• The UK Online Safety Act

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) safety, including AI chatbots, misinformation and deepfakes

Written in a straightforward and supportive style, this book is ideal for parents, carers, teachers, support workers and professionals who may not consider themselves technology experts but want practical guidance they can genuinely understand and apply.

Technology continues to evolve rapidly, but with the right support, education and communication, autistic children and teens can safely enjoy the many opportunities the digital world has to offer.