Intersections between the autism spectrum and the internet: perceived benefits and preferred functions of computer-mediated communication.
Autistic clients get more comfort and clearer talk online than in person—use that space to teach social skills.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Lyall et al. (2014) asked 51 autistic and 50 non-autistic adults to fill out an online survey.
The survey listed 11 common online activities like email, chat, and gaming.
People checked which ones they used and wrote why the internet helped them socially.
What they found
Autistic adults picked more text-based tools than non-autistic adults.
They said typing let them re-read, edit, and think before answering.
They also liked finding people who shared their niche interests.
How this fits with other research
Gillespie-Smith et al. (2021) later asked autistic teens about social media.
That study added a warning: the same sites that ease talk also open the door to bullies.
Together the papers show online spaces help, but safety plans are now essential.
Granieri et al. (2020) watched autistic and neurotypical adults meet face-to-face.
Autistic partners liked each other more than neurotypical partners liked them.
Kristen’s online data and E’s lab data both hint that autistic people connect better when the setting suits them.
Why it matters
If a client avoids the lunchroom but chats on Discord, don’t take the phone away.
Use that channel to teach turn-taking, emoji tone, and safe sharing.
Start a group chat for your social-skills class and let members pick the topic.
You’ll build comfort first, then transfer those skills to offline moments.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
An online survey compared the perceived benefits and preferred functions of computer-mediated communication of participants with (N = 291) and without ASD (N = 311). Participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) perceived benefits of computer-mediated communication in terms of increased comprehension and control over communication, access to similar others, and the opportunity to express their true selves. They enjoyed using the Internet to meet others more, and to maintain connections with friends and family less, than did participants without ASD. People with ASD enjoyed aspects of computer-mediated communication that may be associated with special interests or advocacy, such as blogging, more than did participants without ASD. This study suggests that people with ASD may use the Internet in qualitatively different ways from those without ASD. Suggestions for interventions are discussed.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2014 · doi:10.1352/1934-9556-52.6.456