Navigating Social Media as an Autistic Individual

From Autism Parenting Magazine

Social media can be a great way to connect with others and explore interests, but it can also come with risks—especially for autistic individuals. This guide shares practical tips for staying safe online while enjoying social and other electronic media.

1. Limit your time online: Refraining from using social media altogether is the safest technique to avoid issues. However, we all want to connect with others and see what’s happening, so this is not very practical. Reducing the time spent on social media might be better.

2. Use strong passwords: Have passwords and safety practices in place. Establish a good password when you first log onto a platform. Write them down and keep them in a safe place.

3. Protect your personal information and avoid scams: If someone sounds suspicious or asks for money, don’t talk to them. Look up their information. Not everybody will be deceptive, but be aware that predators are everywhere. 

No matter the platform you use, the less information you give, the safer you will be from predators and scammers.

4. Set time limits to prevent overuse: Avoid addiction or overuse by setting time limits for how long you should be on social media. Go out and meet with friends, take a walk, or develop hobbies such as playing an instrument, scrapbooking, or crafting.

5. Understand platform rules: The ground rules about what sites are acceptable should be clear to you. Make sure you understand the safety guidelines, privacy settings, and content-sharing rules for each platform you use.

These rules include staying safe on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, and more.

 

Platform-specific safety rules

Each social media platform has its own features, rules, and safety concerns. What works for one might not work for another, so it’s important to understand how to stay safe on each one individually.

The following tips may help you navigate popular platforms with more confidence and care.

Facebook safety tips
This site lets you share your whole life with pictures of yourself and your family. You can document what you find online and share details about your family and emotions. However, it is wise to keep your personal information private.

You can choose who your “friends” are, which is important. Having a network of your family, friends, and people you know at work can be a fair-sized group and probably is large enough.

If you’re friends with just anybody, this could be a problem. If you don’t know those contacts, you may be providing details about your life that should not be shared with strangers.

Facebook also allows you to choose the privacy settings for who gets to see your posts. You can also block people who behave inappropriately or suspiciously.

Be picky about which friend requests you accept. If you don’t know the requester, don’t “friend” them.

LinkedIn: Stay professional
This platform is for professional interactions, colleagues, and for having businesses find you based on your profile. I have shared my writing projects and details about my work in hopes of making connections.

Be appropriate with what you share because that could affect your ability to find or keep a job. If you share an inappropriate picture or comment, someone might be offended, jeopardizing a future job opportunity or your current job.

Investigate businesses if you are interested in a position or want to work at a specific location, corporation, or business.

X (formerly Twitter): Post with kindness
You would be surprised how much you can share with so few words. Don’t spread hate or try to get even with someone who has wronged you. If you have issues with someone, settle them off X.

It is better to share positive messages and kind words.

Snapchat and TikTok: Share wisely
These platforms involve sharing videos and pictures. Be careful who you send content to, as you can’t always control where it ends up.

YouTube: Watch and share mindfully
YouTube has many video resources, from sewing to how to train sheep. There are also adult videos on YouTube. Be mindful of your family, child, and yourself; pay attention to what sites they visit.

Give ground rules on what to watch. I found it helpful when I found educational tools about various accounting programs, meditation, or even clips of my favorite show.

Instagram: Think before you post
Instagram is used mostly by older audiences to share photos and videos. Be thoughtful about what you share and who sees it.

Pinterest for safer idea sharing
Pinterest is generally safer, focused on collecting and bookmarking ideas. Still, avoid sharing too much personal information.

Blogs: Express yourself responsibly
Blogging is a way to share your thoughts and lifestyle. Others may disagree with your opinions, so prepare for respectful criticism. Stay kind and avoid overreacting to comments.

Podcasts for using your voice
Podcasts are interesting to listen to and are created to let people hear your message, whether about education, comedy, or politics.

Share your message, but don’t let others put you down for what you say. Hate, bigotry, and insults are not appropriate. 

Zoom for safe calls and meetings
This platform is great for meetings with people and organizations. I often use Zoom for meetings with people in my volunteer organizations.

Be careful when sharing Zoom information because you don’t want to be bombarded with spam or people who are not supposed to be at the meeting. It is also important with whom you share the information if it is personal.

Traditional media and online safety

While most safety conversations focus on social media, it’s also important to understand how traditional media fits into the picture.

Even though these platforms don’t always involve two-way interaction, they still play a role in how we share and receive information—and they come with their own set of safety considerations.

Radio

Radio is a great example of media despite being around for decades. It is more structured because radio stations must be licensed and regulated, but you don’t get immediate feedback.

You can share information on the radio, hoping people hear your announcement, come to an event you are holding, or understand your message.

Television
TV is a great source of knowledge or a way to relax. Make sure you are watching it only some of the time.

Don’t believe everything you see on television, though. Fact-check information and consider the source.

Newspapers
Reading the newspaper can be very beneficial. Newspapers report on everything from local events to car sales. You can advertise or write an article for the paper.

Safety is key

No matter what kind of media you use, safety is key. Follow the rules, avoid sharing too much, and treat others with kindness. Social media should be a helpful, fun tool used wisely.

 

FAQs

Q: Do autistic people struggle with social media?

A: Yes, some autistic people find social media overwhelming due to sensory overload, misinterpreting tone, or difficulty navigating unspoken social rules. However, others find it easier than in-person communication because it allows more time to process and respond.

Q: How do you socialize as an autistic person?

A: Many autistic people prefer structured social settings or one-on-one conversations where expectations are clear. They may also use special interests or online communities to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Q: What do autistic people struggle with the most?

A: Autistic people often struggle with sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and navigating social expectations. These challenges can impact daily life, relationships, and access to supportive environments.

 

By Angela Chapes, 7 May 2025