• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 70 subscribers
  • Views 1407 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Supporting my 13 yo son with growing up

Amy S

Hi I'd love some advice from some parents of teens with autism but also any teens with autism would be fab to hear your opinion too! 

I have a 13 year old son with autism. He has started asked about being allowed to chat to friends on on-line services and asked for a phone for his birthday. He's a good lad, but is easily influenced by others. He also takes others words to heart. He has been bullied so much at school and I'm worried about him being bullied online too. In my opinion, 13 is too young for a phone unless you need it for going out or travelling to or from school (he gets picked up by mini bus), but that's just me! 

Can I get some opinions/advice. Am I being too "strict" or harsh on him? Raising a teen with autism is hard! 

Parents

  • Thanks all for your replies. We're a pretty open household. We can talk about anything, my son is usually happy to talk to me about anything and everything. I guess as with all parenting, I'm being over cautious and over protective! I may try him with a phone for a little while to see how he gets on. I have an iPhone as well so will be useful for the parental locks, etc. 

    He's my first and only child and I'm just really worried about his teenage years. He doesn't have the savvy to look before he crosses the street if he is distracted or in his own mind, letting him go out alone may need a bit of work. I want him to be able to use tech confidently as it's the way the world it going, I'm just not sure he has the knowledge to spot dangers or concerns. 

  • in reply to Amy S

    My son is in a WhatsApp group with friends which works well. He also does not use his own picture. Also his phone us linked to our Google account, so we can see any new apps he might set up. Having discussed any he has previously tried he now understands why some things may not be safe.

    Regarding going out on his own, when he first met friends to play football in a field by our park his Dad would take him and park in the nearby car park. He would often only stay a short while and make an excuse to friends when he had enough. Eventually he was happy for Dad to go and messaged him when he wanted to leave, if before an agreed time.

Reply
  • in reply to Amy S

    My son is in a WhatsApp group with friends which works well. He also does not use his own picture. Also his phone us linked to our Google account, so we can see any new apps he might set up. Having discussed any he has previously tried he now understands why some things may not be safe.

    Regarding going out on his own, when he first met friends to play football in a field by our park his Dad would take him and park in the nearby car park. He would often only stay a short while and make an excuse to friends when he had enough. Eventually he was happy for Dad to go and messaged him when he wanted to leave, if before an agreed time.

Children
No Data