Intersections Between the Autism Spectrum and the Internet: Perceived Benefits and Preferred Functions of Computer-Mediated Communication

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Gillespie-Lynch, K., Kapp, S. K., Shane‐Simpson, C., Smith, D. S., & Hutman, T. (2014). Intersections Between the Autism Spectrum and the Internet: Perceived Benefits and Preferred Functions of Computer-Mediated Communication. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 52(6), 456-469. https://doi.org/10.1352/1934-9556-52.6.456

Publication date: 20 Nov 2014 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
5
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 5 (20.0%)
  1. Kristen Gillespie-Lynch
  2. Steven K. Kapp *
  3. Christina Shane‐Simpson
  4. David Shane Smith
  5. Ted Hutman

Abstract

An online survey compared the perceived benefits and preferred functions of computer-mediated communication of participants with (N = 291) and without ASD (N = 311). Participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) perceived benefits of computer-mediated communication in terms of increased comprehension and control over communication, access to similar others, and the opportunity to express their true selves. They enjoyed using the Internet to meet others more, and to maintain connections with friends and family less, than did participants without ASD. People with ASD enjoyed aspects of computer-mediated communication that may be associated with special interests or advocacy, such as blogging, more than did participants without ASD. This study suggests that people with ASD may use the Internet in qualitatively different ways from those without ASD. Suggestions for interventions are discussed.

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Cited references
61
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
4 / 61 (6.6%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
4 / 172 (2.3%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 4 / 27 (14.8%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 3 / 153 (2.0%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
27 / 172 (15.7%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 18 / 153 (11.8%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
23 / 27 (85.2%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 23 / 172 (13.4%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 15 / 18 (83.3%).
2 cited bibliography entries could not be fully enriched from DOI metadata.
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