SOCIAL MEDIA
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The pros and cons of social media and special needs children
M
ost parents are thankful
that they grew up before
the age of social media.
Social media can be a
scary thing. And although it scares
them too, psychologists who deal with
this in their practices have advised
parents to get over their fear – quickly.
Dr. Melissa Fiorito-Grafman, a
neuropsychologist with offices in
Ridgewood and Closter, says,
“Parents need to be educated
consumers. Be as knowledgeable
as possible about the technology and
your children, and the fear starts to
slip away.”
However, there are definitely pros
and cons to the use of social media.
If your child has special needs and/
or learning differences that will affect
30 2017 EDITION | SPECIAL PARENT
their impulsivity, impulse control or
ability to read non-verbal cues, the
use of social media can be that much
scarier.
Dr. Rachelle Theise, a licensed
clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of child and adolescent
psychiatry at NYU Langone’s Child
Study Center, with locations in both
Hackensack and New York, discusses
some of the pros.
“It is an easy way for kids to be
connected to their peers, at least
superficially, and know what’s going
on outside of school,” Theise says.
“It allows for some time to plan what
to write or comment. Kids can get
guidance from an adult who can help
navigate social nuances and appropriate things to say. And it allows for
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WRITTEN BY LESLIE PERLMUTTER