Autism & Online Safety: Module 1 (Introduction)

This video series, Autism & Online Safety, is intended as a guide for adults with Autism in conjunction with their care partners to enjoy safe, healthy experiences while using the internet.

In Module 1 (Introduction), individuals can learn and hear experiences from those living with Autism and experts in the field of Autism about the challenges faced when using the internet to connect, socialize, date, and shop. This important and sometimes difficult content is designed to highlight the dangers for adults with Autism to avoid while online, and includes:

• Autism and Internet Use
• Internet Risks: Content, Contact, Conduct

Each module in the 6-part series contains underlying themed content, a recap of the content, and a “knowledge check” to help with understanding. All modules in the series can also be found on this channel individually.

This video series was developed as part of a collaborative partnership between Spectrum Generations and the Autism Society of Maine, and with the generous assistance of the Maine Department of Public Safety and Maine State Police through a 2023/2024 Innovations Pilot Grant. The project was funded through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP/American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars under CMS Section 9817 Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). All products of this initiative are made available freely for public use.

The co-sponsors of this video, Spectrum Generations and the Autism Society of Maine, have decades of experience dedicated to serving communities across the state of Maine ensuring that those with Autism and their care partners are fully supported throughout their lives. Neither Spectrum Generations nor the Autism Society of Maine endorse any specific manner of internet usage for those with Autism and provide this material only as a reference for safe internet usage. Viewing of this material is voluntary, and individuals with Autism and their care partners have the right to choose whether to engage with the content.

For more information about the co-sponsors of this video, visit:
https://www.spectrumgenerations.org/
https://www.asmonline.org/

This video series was:
• Hosted by: Shannon Moss (Maine Department of Public Safety)
• Created & Directed by: Dan Lambert (Lambert Films)
• Written By: Philip Shelley
• Narrated by: Kathy Williamson
• Graphics by: Jeaninne Owens & Dan Lambert
• Photography by: Dan Lambert & Brandon Atkinson

Individuals living with Autism were consulted with and participated in the development of the video series, both on and off camera. Spectrum Generations and the Autism Society of Maine thank them for their contributions.

A special thanks to:
• Aaron Turcotte
• Cathy Dionne
• Tarsha Rewa
• Kathleen Doyle
• Scott MacCallum
• Matthew Robbins
• Jessica Robbins
• Gayla Harken
• Jeffrey Johnson
• Tiffany Morrissette
• Gage McKenney
• Darcie Waldrip
• Nancy Utting
• Joan Utting
• Jonah Searles
• Terry Handley
• Cecelia Rhodus
• Craig Donnan
• Aaron Boulette