Abstract
Background
Autistic groups (who have good reading ability and less/moderate autism severity) have been found to spend greater amounts of time online compared to their typical counterparts (Kagohar et al., 2013) and rely more on online communication for social interactions and relationships (Heasman & Gillespie, 2018). Despite this however, the real-life social vulnerability often reported within this group may be extrapolated to these online platforms, increasing the risk of online bullying, peer pressure and exposure to images displaying violent and sexual content (Livingstone, Kirwil, Ponte, & Staksrud, 2014). The current study aimed to ask autistic adolescents and parents about the perceived barriers and risks to engaging online and how social media has impacted autistic adolescents’ relationships.
Method
A qualitative methodology was used. A sample of 8 autistic adolescents and 6 parents who have autistic children participated in individual semi – structured interviews.
Results
Using a thematic analysis, several different themes emerged from the children and parents. Parents discussed the importance of education, socialisation and online safety, whereas autistic adolescents discussed the positive influence of social media and the risks involved.
Conclusions
This study shows the importance of understanding the lived experience of the individual and the difficulties and benefits of using social media as a communication tool for those with autism and the concerns of their parents. The study highlights the need for further support as well as increased risk awareness for both autistic adolescents and their families.
Autistic groups (who have good reading ability and less/moderate autism severity) have been found to spend greater amounts of time online compared to their typical counterparts (Kagohar et al., 2013) and rely more on online communication for social interactions and relationships (Heasman & Gillespie, 2018). Despite this however, the real-life social vulnerability often reported within this group may be extrapolated to these online platforms, increasing the risk of online bullying, peer pressure and exposure to images displaying violent and sexual content (Livingstone, Kirwil, Ponte, & Staksrud, 2014). The current study aimed to ask autistic adolescents and parents about the perceived barriers and risks to engaging online and how social media has impacted autistic adolescents’ relationships.
Method
A qualitative methodology was used. A sample of 8 autistic adolescents and 6 parents who have autistic children participated in individual semi – structured interviews.
Results
Using a thematic analysis, several different themes emerged from the children and parents. Parents discussed the importance of education, socialisation and online safety, whereas autistic adolescents discussed the positive influence of social media and the risks involved.
Conclusions
This study shows the importance of understanding the lived experience of the individual and the difficulties and benefits of using social media as a communication tool for those with autism and the concerns of their parents. The study highlights the need for further support as well as increased risk awareness for both autistic adolescents and their families.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 16 Dec 2019 |
Event | 9th Annual Seattle Club Conference on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - University College London, London, United Kingdom Duration: 16 Dec 2019 → 17 Dec 2019 http://www.seattleclubconference.org/conference_2019.html |
Conference
Conference | 9th Annual Seattle Club Conference on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
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Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | London |
Period | 16/12/19 → 17/12/19 |
Internet address |