Media Interaction and Social Engagement in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by differences in social communication, sensory processing and interaction preferences. In recent years, digital media have become integral to how autistic people engage with peers, acquire information and express identity. Online platforms offer opportunities for community building, peer support and tailored information that may be inaccessible through conventional channels. At the same time, there are risks of compulsive use, exposure to cyber-bullying and uneven accessibility across age groups and ability levels. Research highlights the value of understanding individual communication preferences and the design of interventions that harness digital tools to promote social inclusion, emotional regulation and practical skill development.
Research from Nature Portfolio
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Media Interaction and Social Engagement in Autism Spectrum Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in media interaction and social engagement in autism spectrum disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder: A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent differences in social communication, restricted interests and sensory processing.
Digital participation: The active engagement of individuals with online platforms or technologies to access information, interact with others and contribute to digital communities.
Communication modality: A channel or method used to convey information, such as face-to-face speech, written text, email or live messaging.
Cyber-bullying: Aggressive, harassing or exclusionary behaviour conducted via digital platforms that may harm an individual’s well-being.
Pathological game use: Excessive or compulsive engagement in video or computer games that leads to impairment in daily functioning or social relationships.
References
- Social media shaping autism perception and identity. Autism (2024).
- ‘Anything but the phone!’: Communication mode preferences in the autism community. Autism (2021).
- Social Media and Cyber-Bullying in Autistic Adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2021).
- Caregiver Reports of Screen Time Use of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study. Behavioral Sciences (2019).
- Psychological variables related to technology-mediated intervention design in autism spectrum disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities (2024).
- Toward digital participation in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Frontiers in Communication (2023).
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