Are my autistic kids always online? Are they safe?

The internet can be great for my kids.  Many people think that using the internet a lot is bad parenting, and I'm sure in some cases that might be true.  At our home, the support provided by internet for our autistic, ADHD and neurotypical kids is almost an essential.  

My top apps for our autistic kids

There's no doubt that all my kids get technology.  Sometimes it can seem like they are glued to their screens but, especially for my autistic son's, they learn a lot from being online and there's a bunch of apps that are really good at engaging them in learning or sensory feedback, which is so important when they struggle with these on a daily basis.  Here's some of my favourites. 

Computer games for our kids, suitable for ages 3 to 16+

My kids and I both enjoy gaming. We enjoy, relax and learn from it. But not all the games I play are suitable for all our kids.  If you are thinking of getting a new computer game for your children, here's some of the latest we are considering, what they are about and what you might like to know about them, from a mum of autistic and neurotypical kids.

Using technology to help as my kids grow-up

My eldest son just finished his SATS.  It's the start of measuring him.. testing to see what he has learned and retained in core subjects.  I'm also spending time at the moment invigilating GCSEs at one of my local secondary schools. These tests could help the young adults sitting them get into college, university or get a job.  Thinking about that and what my kids might do is a bit scary.

The quick trick on your iPhone that could save your or your family's life in an emergency

Today celebrates the 30th Birthday of one of my supported charities (London's Air Ambulance).  Doing what needs to be done as quickly as possible makes all the difference in an emergency.  But did you know there is a trick on your iPhone that could support emergency services if something ever happened to you or your family?  It takes less than 5 minutes to set up, could save your life and is called Medical ID.

Making changes to technology for my kids

I don't shy away from the amount of time my kids spend with tech.  There's no doubt that David uses his iPad for far more than simply entertainment.  Anthony too learns from playing his computer games.  But I wondered, could these also be the basis for helping them develop skills they need for the future?  Or what could be done to help them take advantage of their comfort with tech?

This post has been updated, read the post here --->