Session: Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 2: Autism
408 - A Needs Assessment to Understand How to Support Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Safe Internet and Social Media Use
Postdoctoral Fellow University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, Washington, United States
Background: Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) spend considerable time online. While internet use offers benefits for ASD/IDD individuals, it also presents challenges, including cyber-victimization. Safety, Education, and Learning for the Internet (SELFI) is a novel program that supports adults with ASD with safe social media use (Osuna et al., 2023). Yet, SELFI wasn’t designed for those with co-occurring intellectual disabilities. This study identifies areas requiring internet safety support, informing a more inclusive SELFI program. Objective: The study comprehensively explores internet usage patterns among adults with ASD/IDD from self-advocates and caregiver perspectives. Design/Methods: Participants included self-advocates and caregivers from a community-based organization. Surveys and interviews captured data on accessibility, assistive tech, goals, online activities, and support needs. A total of 36 surveys (16 self-advocates, 20 caregivers) and 12 interviews provided a detailed understanding of ASD/IDD individual’s online experiences. Results: Among 23 individuals, 87% had IDD, 52% were autistic, and 74% were male. Most used phones (74%) and computers (78%) to access the internet, with 30% using speech-to-text. Common activities included video/music streaming (86%), gaming (74%), and online socializing (70%). They used various social media platforms, like YouTube (61%), Facebook (57%), and Instagram (26%). Challenges included inappropriate websites (78%), determining trust (74%), anxiety (43%), and scams (39%). Interviews highlighted additional challenges, including risks of sexual violence and undesirable consequences (e.g., harassment, confusion, and scams). Caregivers expressed a need for resources and a developmentally appropriate Internet Safety program.
Conclusion(s): This study identified a spectrum of challenges related to internet safety. These insights will guide the development of an internet safety intervention tailored to the unique needs of those with ASD/IDD.
