Can a Moderate Autistic get by with internet as a support?

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I want to know?

The Internet has been a godsend for many people with more than mild autism.

But....I still believe that most people with Level 2 autism (what most people think of as being "moderate" autism) need more support than merely having the Internet.

I think of it as a supplement to the support I need.

Of course it provides support.

It provides support for NT's, too.

But if used as the sole means of support for people with Level 2 autism, I don't believe it would succeed in supporting those persons enough in their lives.

Probably depends on the individual? It does seem as if more healthcare and related support is being accomplished using less physical interaction. Isolation could be an unfortunate side effect.

I agree with Kraftie and Ezra. I was diagnosed level 1, but these days I think (and have had it indicated to me by at least one service provider) that I'm closer to level 2, that is, "moderate autism". I've been using the internet extensively since I was seven or eight, and I can say unequivocally that it has absolutely been an invaluable resource to me. It taught me about autism when I was first introduced to the idea of having it; it gave me all sorts of coping strategies that I've found very effective; it even got me in touch with the people who diagnosed me.

That said, there is absolutely no way that I would be able to function without any support beyond the internet. I have a therapist, job coaches, an occupational therapist, a psychiatrist, medication, Medicaid, extensive job accommodations, and support from family members, and soon in-home service providers to go grocery shopping, feed myself, cook and clean. I feel like if the only thing a person needs for support is the internet, then their disability isn't substantial enough to warrant a diagnosis. A critical piece of the autism diagnosis which is non-negotiable, is that the person has to require at a minimum some form of support that helps to mitigate the difficulty they experience as a result of their symptoms. Beyond providing a way to connect socially with others, the internet really doesn't provide much in the way of functional supports.

Every "moderate autistic" is in a different situation

What you mean by "get by"? Having said that, pretty much the only social support I have had is the internet.

Exceptions:. Briefly on Prozac and Ativan. A couple support groups. A couple years ago. 35 counselors. But counseling is just sitting around talking. Flapping their traps. "Actions speak louder than words". Besides what are they supposed to say, "abracadabra?"

Volunteers and professional. Several brief, superficial "friends". That ended up dumping me. they were by far, not worth the energy it took to interact with them. Read a lot of books. Good in theory. Not too practical.


But many of the counselors were just several sessions. And the prescriptlons did not appear to have any significant effects. Positive or negative.


What is the definition of "moderate autistic"? The professional that diagnosed me did not specify.

I lived alone for a year without Internet it was horrible, really bad for my mental health.

Now the internet is my life, I spend 90% plus of my time awake online.

One reason I like the Internet, and I think this applies to most autistic people, is that you can select how much stimulation you want at any given time. You can't do this in the greater world. Maybe a jackhammer is pounding away in the street. Maybe your "friends" are too loud, or are upset over something. Maybe your parent keeps nagging you.

If things like that happen online, you can always surf to a different site, or just walk away from the screen and do something else. I love that!

But aside from that, there are absolutely limits on what the Internet can do for you. It's a nice addition to one's life, but you still need real-world supports.

To see if this will help me, I'm trying to incorporate visual supports (from the internet) to help me with getting needed tasks done and for transitions.