The online world comes with risks – but also friendships and independence for young people with disabilities

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“In the real world, I’m a coward. When I’m online, I’m a hero.”

These words, paraphrased from a conversation with a young man with autism, have stayed with us throughout the years of research that underpin our recently published book exploring the relationship between children with special educational needs and disabilities and digital technology.

We’re constantly bombarded with warnings about the potential dangers of digital technology, especially for children.