Family Workshop - Staying safe online whilst gaming and socialising

​Join us for a Family Workshop for you and your young people to learn how to stay safe online but also how the online world and gaming can be great for autistic young people to find connection and friendship, as well as to self regulate. With a very special guest Lee Allen who is a senior analyst in the South Wales Police with particular expertise in exploitation and in online safety.

Gaming naturally aligns with how many autistic young people communicate, connect, and relax. You don't have to cope with body language, eye contact or speedy back and forth conversations. It creates opportunities for building or creating together. It's a way to practise teamwork, turn taking and problem solving as well as negotiating the roles and rules within the game as well as managing your frustrations. It can help to build identity and confidence. allowing young people to express their ​p​personality through avatars and in autistic friendly communities where they often feel accepted as they are. Online gaming or social spaces offer connection without sensory overload, no crowded rooms, no bright lights. Often The online gaming world supports autistic strengths it uses deep focus, pattern recognition and opportunities to use strategy or creativity. Skills which aren't always as valued in the neurotypical world.

But we need to ensure we keep our children and young people safe in these online spaces. We'll cover topics such as building trust and keeping communication open, how to use safety settings, but also stay involved as well as creating clear & simple safety rules for your family.