Talking ASD & ADHD: Tech Use (810) For parents/carers in Herts.

Worried about your child’s time online?

Are arguments about getting off devices becoming a daily battle?
Do you worry that your child with ASD or ADHD is more vulnerable online than their peers?

Children with ASD or ADHD are often more at risk online and may struggle to self-regulate their internet use.

These challenges can’t be solved by parental controls alone. Many parents tell us that their child’s neurodiversity ‘blurs the boundaries’ of what’s acceptable — leaving them torn between allowing online social connection and worrying about who their child is talking to and how much time they spend on screens.

Research shows that 1 in 5 young people aged 12–15 has been contacted online by someone they don’t know.

The pressure to gain “likes” and online approval can override lessons about safety — especially for children with ASD or ADHD, who may be more vulnerable to seeking validation and acting impulsively.

Internet overuse and disrupted sleep are also more common for children with ADHD and ASD, often leading to increased behavioural challenges.
When parents understand the underlying causes of these issues, they are better equipped to set healthy boundaries and guide their child with confidence.

Based on this understanding, our online workshop supports parents and carers to learn what’s happening for their child — and what they can do about it.

Run by experienced facilitators, counsellors and parenting practitioners, this session will help you:

• Understand how your child’s diagnosis increases online vulnerability
• Support your child with safe and balanced internet use.
• Recognise when something isn’t right
• Manage difficult conversations with confidence
• Set and maintain healthy digital boundaries
• Teach your child to self-regulate and stay safe online
• Access further help and support, locally and nationally

Parents have said:

“I now understand why we have been getting into so much conflict.’’

“Thank you for all your advice. Tech is such a tricky issue to navigate.”

Attendees will gain insight into their child’s experiences and learn effective ways to respond.

Details:
📅 Delivered online via Zoom
💬 Includes a Q&A session
💰 Free to parents and carers, funded by Hertfordshire County Council
👨‍👩‍👧 Open to families of children aged 2–25 with diagnosed or suspected Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder living or schooling in Hertfordshire

For more information, contact:
📞 Noushin Rahman-Blake, Supporting Links — 01442 300185
📧 info@supportinglinks.co.uk

Supporting Links is an independent organisation providing parenting support across Hertfordshire.