Program helps teenage girls with autism become internet savvy

The Girl’s Guide to Ruling the Internet, run by Autism Queensland (QLD) over the school holiday period, covers online safety, bullying, dealing with trolls and the ins and outs of Youtube. 

Focusing primarily on YouTube, the program will also address the technical aspects of channel planning, content creation including device-based film making, editing and special effects through to artwork, filming, editing and adding effects through mobile devices, growing a YouTube channel and becoming a YouTube personality. 

Program Mentor, Daisy Van Ghert, says some of today’s biggest YouTube influencers are girls. 

“Girls are taking over YouTube through comedy, entertainment, food, video games and especially through lifestyle and beauty,” she explains.

“This program will cover how girls are learning and sharing from each other, forming friendships and having fun online.”

Manager of Vocational Programs at Autism Queensland, David McCartney, says girls are as engaged in the online world as boys, but face unique challenges, particularly for those on the autism spectrum. 

“This program also provides the girls who attend with the opportunity to make friends and learn from each other in a safe and fun environment,” Mr McCartney says. 

The Girl’s Guide to Ruling the Internet is a part of Autism Queensland’s popular Teen Tech Shed program.

The program will be delivered to girls aged between 13 and 17 years over three days, on 1- 3 October, at the Autism Hub in Woolloongabba, QLD, from 11am-3pm each day.

The cost of the program is $521.76 per student and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) individual funding can be used, if applicable. 

For more information, email [email protected] or register online at autismqld.com.au/page/brisbane