As a mother of two autistic boys aged 13 and 10 in Manchester, Anna shares her experience managing their online gaming activities, particularly with Minecraft and Roblox.

Online Safety Challenges and Solutions

Despite limiting gaming to friends and family, both children have encountered inappropriate language and themes online. This often occurs when unknown players join their gaming parties.

Anna taught her children early to use blocking and reporting features when uncomfortable. She emphasizes that these tools exist for their protection and encourages open communication without fear of punishment.

Managing Disagreements

The family sometimes disagrees about appropriate online behavior, particularly regarding:

• Acceptable language
• Suitable discussion topics
• Game selection criteria
• Response to conflict

Her eldest son faces specific challenges:

• Difficulty distinguishing appropriate behavior
• Defensive reactions to perceived negativity
• Trouble interpreting playful banter
• Occasional meltdowns when disagreeing about blocking users

Practical Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children

1. Maintain open dialogue about online experiences
2. Keep gaming consoles in shared spaces for monitoring
3. Teach children about blocking and reporting features
4. Create a supportive environment for discussing concerns
5. Help children recognize when to disengage from negative situations

Anna stresses that autistic children may struggle to recognize manipulative or unkind behavior online. Teaching them to set boundaries and remove themselves from toxic situations helps maintain their mental wellbeing while enjoying online activities.

The goal is to create a safe, fun environment while managing the challenges of online interaction.

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