Are you concerned about the amount of time your child spends online?

Are you having frequent arguments about getting off devices?

Do you worry that your child with ASD or ADHD is more vulnerable than neurotypical children?

Children with ASD or ADHD have vulnerabilities when online.

They also often have difficulty in self-regulating their internet use.

This poses significant additional challenges for parents that cannot be managed by simply installing parental controls on devices.

Parents struggle to respond with confidence, and often report to us that their child’s neurodiversity ‘blurs the boundaries’ of what is acceptable; so parents feel torn between allowing time to meet friends virtually, engage with others and do something that is so engaging, whilst being concerned about who their child is chatting to and the amount of time spent on devices.

1 in 5 12-15 year olds has been contacted online by someone that they didn't know.

The pressure to receive "likes" can override the lessons that children have had about online safety.

This is a particular challenge for children with ASD or ADHD who are more vulnerable to seeking validation from strangers and may have difficulties with impulse control.

We also know that internet addiction is high in children with ADHD compared with neurotypical children and that these difficulties have a significant impact on sleep which is already an issue for many children with ASD/ADHD. This, in turn, has a negative impact on behaviour.

Parents who are able to understand the cause of these problems are better able to set up appropriate guidance and boundaries.

Parents and carers who attend will leave understanding what is happening for their child and what they can do about it.

Run by highly experienced facilitators, counsellors and parenting practitioners, this online workshop will help parents to understand:

• How your child’s diagnosis increases vulnerability online.
• What you can do to support any difficulties with online behaviour.
• Recognising when something is wrong.
• Managing difficult conversations with confidence.
• Setting and maintaining boundaries for online use.
• Teaching your child to develop their own methods of regulating internet use and staying safe.
• Where to access further help and support, both locally and nationally.

Previous attendees have said:

“This has given me key building blocks to tackle and address issues both now and in the future.”

“I thought the session was really interactive and informative. The visuals and clear presentation will help me remember everything. It covered my concerns in great detail.”

The workshop will take place via Zoom and will incorporate a Q&A session.

This workshop is provided free to parents by Herts County Council and it is open to all parents and carers of children aged 2-25 years old with suspected or diagnosed Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder who are living in Hertfordshire.

There are a limited number of places which are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Please only book a place if you will definitely be attending. We expect to be fully booked with a long waiting list.

Supporting Links is an independent company.

To ask a question or for more information contact Noushin Rahman-Blake, Supporting Links on 01442 300185 or email [email protected].