We have technology, finally, that for the first time in human history allows people to really maintain rich connections with much larger numbers of people. ~ Pierre Omidyar
As I am developing a social media marketing plan for this year’s Autism conference in Philly, it got me wondering, would social media benefit the autism community? Also, I often watch Parenthood on NBC, but had not made the connection that Asperger’s Syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Did you know for example, according to the CDC* on average 1 out of 110 children in the U.S. has an ASD?
ThenI came across Squag TM, a social networking platform, designed to foster social interaction and communication for tweens and teens on the autism spectrum. Created by Sara Winter in collaboration with her autistic nephew, the platform offers the opportunity of connecting in a digital space optimized for self reflection. Even the name “squag” (her nephew’s pronunciation of square) suggests the platform offers a unique social opportunity.
So what are your thoughts on technology offering greater connectivity? Does the digital world hold the promise of benefiting the lives of special needs children and their families? Share your thoughts on how social media can make the world a better place for all of us.
Vanaja R.
Financialpost.com – Social network Squag aims to be a safe place for autistic kids
Postscript
*March 29, 2012 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a higher prevalence of autism, with one in 88 children being diagnosed with an ASD.
PBS Newshour – Autism’s Prevalence Grows
Copyright © 2012 My Marketing Nirvana. All rights reserved in all media.
My "Marketing Nirvana" 
Kelly Voyer
/ Tuesday, March 27, 2012Not only can special needs children and their families greatly benefit from social media but by giving small bites of information the general public they can, over time, become better informed and accepting of those who are affected.
nrvana
/ Tuesday, March 27, 2012Kelly,
Thank you for your insight of social media having the capability to inform the public at large.
Vanaja
Nancy Arter
/ Wednesday, March 21, 2012Yes definitely agree that social media can be incredibly helpful for children with special needs — as well as for their parents. Squag sounds like a wonderful platform that I will share with my special needs charity here in So Cal, Pediatric Therapy Network (PTN). We have discussed starting a parents blog for PTN parents so that they can lean on and learn from each other. I love the idea of a place for the children to go and interact with others. Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
nrvana
/ Wednesday, March 21, 2012Wishing Pediatric Therapy Network much success as well as your upcoming PTN parents’ blog.
Ruth S
/ Friday, March 16, 2012Agree that Technology does help people’s awareness and it has come a long way. We have to remember that Technology is not a exact science! Technology is so advanced that its impossible for us to keep up with it! It is beneficial but I believe we still have a long way to go. There are still many thousands of special needs children that it is not offered to because of state regulations and budget issues!
shobhasky
/ Friday, March 16, 2012I believe special needs children and their families may be greatly benefited by communicating with each other and other people through the digital world. The worlds of special needs children may open up and allow them to interact more.