Computer addict

Johnsmum said:

My son spends several hours every day on his computer, mostly playing games or music, though I have a suspicion he may have viewed porn as well. As he is a teenager, it's probably too late to start imposing a time limit on computer time (besides which, if he weren't on the computer, he would only be watching TV).

Do others think that too much computer time is not good for our kids? I would love him to be making friends but he never invites anyone home from school, and they don't invite him. If they did, of course, they would end up playing computer games together! But at least it would be social.

We have very good provision in our area for social activities for kids on the spectrum, but I get a feeling he doesn't want to go to something that is especially for kids like him.

Would love to hear others' thoughts on computers, socializing, etc, especially for older teenagers.

I think I'm in a perfect position to answer this for you.  I've always had my suspicions that my 9 year old is on the spectrum and he can spend an entire day engrossed in using his computer.  An adult Aspergers Diagnosed very close to me does exactly the same.  For some reason- possibly the focussed nature of online discussion/ interaction- those with Aspergers find they can freely socialise and engage at a deep level online.  Quite possibly, this is because they have a high level of control over the environment.  Monitor your router and check websites visited that end- it's less intrusive.  I for one find I can get far more information down online than I ever would in a face to face discussion.  

Johnsmum said:

My son spends several hours every day on his computer, mostly playing games or music, though I have a suspicion he may have viewed porn as well. As he is a teenager, it's probably too late to start imposing a time limit on computer time (besides which, if he weren't on the computer, he would only be watching TV).

Do others think that too much computer time is not good for our kids? I would love him to be making friends but he never invites anyone home from school, and they don't invite him. If they did, of course, they would end up playing computer games together! But at least it would be social.

We have very good provision in our area for social activities for kids on the spectrum, but I get a feeling he doesn't want to go to something that is especially for kids like him.

Would love to hear others' thoughts on computers, socializing, etc, especially for older teenagers.

I think I'm in a perfect position to answer this for you.  I've always had my suspicions that my 9 year old is on the spectrum and he can spend an entire day engrossed in using his computer.  An adult Aspergers Diagnosed very close to me does exactly the same.  For some reason- possibly the focussed nature of online discussion/ interaction- those with Aspergers find they can freely socialise and engage at a deep level online.  Quite possibly, this is because they have a high level of control over the environment.  Monitor your router and check websites visited that end- it's less intrusive.  I for one find I can get far more information down online than I ever would in a face to face discussion.