Cyber safety for autistic adults

Most of us use technology for education, communication and entertainment every day. 

And while accessing the digital world has benefits, there can also be risks to our health, safety and wellbeing. By developing healthy habits and being aware of cyber safety risks, autistic adults and their loved ones can enjoy time spent online without compromising private information or their mental health. 

Screen time

Keeping our screen time in check is important for our health. Creating routines and boundaries around screen time can help keep it under control:

Establishing routines

Routines provide a sense of security for individuals on the autism spectrum. Setting routines around when digital devices can be used helps maintain a balance.

Time of day

Using digital devices immediately after waking up or just before sleeping can impact sleep quality and increase anxiety. Establish a morning and evening routine that involves screen-free activities, such as making breakfast or spending time outdoors.

Location

Having digital devices in areas where you sleep can also affect sleep quality and wellbeing. Create specific areas in the home for using digital devices outside of bedrooms. 

Time limit

While enjoying a limited of screen time each day isn’t harmful, keep track of how long you spend on digital devices. Experts recommend limiting gaming and intensive screen use to no more than two hours daily. If you tend to exceed this limit, gradually reduce the time spent on screens by a few minutes each day, replacing screen time with other fun or enjoyable activities.

Tools for managing screen time

Most digital devices have built-in or downloadable tools that can help you manage screen time. This includes iOS devices, Android devices, gaming consoles, computers and laptops. Explore the settings of your individual device/s to determine what settings are available for you. 

Digital literacy

We all have different levels of digital literacy, and this is also true for people on the autism spectrum. Some autistic people might already understand how to stay safe online, while others might need more guidance. Although you or an autistic person you know might be able to use digital devices independently, that doesn’t mean you or they have all of the digital literacy skills needed to stay safe.

Here are some digital literacy skills everyone must have before navigating the digital world independently: 

Appropriate information to share

Knowing what information is safe and appropriate to share online. This includes understanding the dangers of posting personal or private information that could be stolen by others.

Safe online behaviours

Being aware of the risks of using public Wi-Fi, especially when banking or shopping online. To prevent data theft, avoid these activities when not on a private network.

Scam awareness

Recognising email, text, social media and phone scams. Talking to someone you trust or encouraging an autistic person you know to reach out before engaging with unfamiliar individuals can help prevent scams. 

Reporting scams

Learning what to do if you or an autistic person you know is scammed, such as contacting banks, locking accounts, or reporting users. 

In addition to these skills, autistic adults and anyone who supports them should consider the following:

• Regular updates: Keeping digital devices updated with the latest software ensures you have the best protection. Enable automatic updates so you don’t have to do this manually. 
• Regular backups: Regularly back up important data like photos, videos, files, contact details, and passwords. 
• Multi-factor authentication: Adding extra steps to the authentication process, such as a password and a verification code sent to a phone, increases security.
• Strong passwords: Using strong, hard-to-guess passwords, or even passphrases, can make accounts more secure.
• Stay informed and aware: Staying informed about the latest scam tactics and being vigilant about reporting and blocking suspicious messages or calls can reduce the risk of scams. 

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a form of harassment that can occur solely online or both online and offline (e.g., at work and on social media). Everyone who uses digital devices should understand what cyberbullying looks like and how to address it so they can seek support for themselves or someone they know. 

What makes cyberbullying particularly challenging is the anonymity that the internet provides to the bully. Autistic individuals might be particularly vulnerable due to various factors, including difficulties in understanding the unkind or deceptive nature of some people online or struggling to interpret social cues, jokes or insults. 

Types of cyberbullying include: 

• Direct messages: Sending threatening or unkind messages privately or in group chats.
• Public posts: Creating harmful posts that bully, threaten, or spread false information about someone.
• Catfishing: Using fake profiles to trick, bully, or embarrass people, often in the context of dating.
• Exposure: Sharing personal information, images, or videos without consent, often to shame or humiliate.
• Video game harassment: Using online gaming platforms to harass or send harmful messages.
  

Recognising the signs of cyberbullying in someone else is also important, especially as victims might not always speak up due to fear, shame, or not knowing how to communicate what is happening. Common signs include:

• Appearing upset or anxious during or after using digital devices.
• Being secretive or protective about online activities.
• Showing changes in mood, such as increased sadness or anger, particularly after being online.
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities they previously enjoyed.
• Changes in behaviour or performance at work or in further education.

If cyberbullying occurs, it's important not to engage with the bully. Instead, take the following steps:

• Report and block: Use the reporting tools provided by social media platforms to report inappropriate behaviours and block the individuals involved.
• Keep evidence: Keep records of all communications that could serve as evidence of cyberbullying, such as screenshots or messages.
• Seek support: Ask people you trust, such as family members, friends, or professionals, who can offer support and advice.
• Offline time: Take breaks from online activities to reduce stress, change your perspective and look after yourself.
  

If you have been cyberbullied and are experiencing distress or difficulty maintaining your regular routine, you might need external support. Speaking to a psychologist or other mental health professional can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies to build your resilience and navigate tricky times. This also applies to autistic adults you know. If you have recently received an autism diagnosis and are experiencing cyberbullying, you can learn more about the support options available to autistic adults by visiting 'Autism: What Next?

Online friendships

For many autistic individuals, the internet can be a wonderful social space where they can interact with others and form friendships without the anxiety that face-to-face interactions can cause. Online platforms can offer a space to connect with people with similar interests and experiences, creating a sense of belonging and community.

These friendships also require monitoring to avoid becoming unsafe or manipulative. If you feel unsure about an online friendship or an online friend makes you uncomfortable, speak to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend or professional, to gain their perspective and support. 

If you or an autistic person you know wants to meet an online friend in person, here are some ways to stay safe:

• Meet in public: Arrange to meet in a busy, public place during the day.
• Bring support: Have a friend or family member come with you, or tell someone where you will be going and what you will be doing.
• Plan your activities: Decide what you will do during the meeting in advance. Don’t agree to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. 
• Trust your instincts: If you feel uncomfortable at any point, do not be afraid to end the meeting or leave early. Contact someone you trust who can pick you up or help you leave. 

Taking a break

Wanting to take a break from certain accounts is perfectly okay. The reasons for this vary: some accounts may post too often or be too intense, or the behaviour within certain groups or pages might feel overwhelming. Recognising when you or an autistic person you know needs to step back can improve their relationship with social media and their overall wellbeing. 

Most social media platforms offer several options to help customise your feed. These tools are designed to give you control over what you see and who you interact with without removing or blocking someone permanently. Here’s a breakdown of some common features: