Research on the “average teen” doesn’t always capture the complex realities of our own kids. This is certainly true when it comes to the often-misunderstood tech practices of teens with autism. As you will hear in this episode, Dr. Meryl Alper of Northeastern University imagines a future that centers the worldviews, needs, and desires of neurodivergent and disabled youth.

Erin talks to Dr. Meryl Alper about:

• Why constant coverage of risks ignores the unique benefits that tech can offer autistic youth
• Are all youth with autism really “good” at tech? And other harmful tropes to watch out for.
• How neurodivergent teens are navigating their identities on TikTok
• Specific considerations for parents and educators to keep in mind related to online safety and thriving for neurodivergent kids.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Meryl Alper’s website
• Across the Spectrums: Growing Up Autistic in the Digital Age, Meryl Alper
• Across the Spectrums (Open Access Version)
• Prioritize Autistic Youth Mental Health Without Panicking About Technology, Newsweek
• Neurodivergent Youth and Digital Media Tip Sheet, Children and Screens

Dr. Meryl Alper

Dr. Meryl Alper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies (College of Arts, Media, and Design) and Affiliate Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (Bouvé College of Health Sciences) at Northeastern University. At Northeastern, she researches the social, cultural, and health implications of communication technologies, with a focus on disability, digital media, and children and families’ tech use. Dr. Alper is the author of Digital Youth with Disabilities (MIT Press, 2014) and the award-winning Giving Voice: Mobile Communication, Disability, and Inequality (MIT Press, 2017). Her latest book, Kids Across the Spectrums: Growing Up Autistic in the Digital Age (MIT Press, 2023), explores the often-misunderstood technology practices of young people on the autism spectrum, as well as what it means to be “social” in a hypermediated society. In her research and teaching, Dr. Alper also draws on 20 years of professional experience in the children’s media industry as a researcher, strategist, and consultant with organizations such as Sesame Workshop, PBS KIDS, Nickelodeon, and Disney. Prior to joining the faculty at Northeastern, Dr. Alper earned a Ph.D. and M.A. from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California. She also holds a B.S. in Communication Studies and History from Northwestern University, as well as a certificate in Early Childhood Education from UCLA.