198. Protecting Neurodivergent Kids Online: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Myava Clark
The online world can offer connection, entertainment, and independence for neurodivergent kids, but it can also expose them to cyberbullying, manipulation, and situations they may not yet know how to handle.
In this episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, Brigitte talks with Dr. Myava Clark, a passionate advocate, speaker, educator, and best-selling author with a background in respiratory therapy and higher education.
As a mother of two adult children, Dr. Clark’s work was deeply shaped by her experience navigating the special education system for her son, Chris Clark Jr. That journey eventually led them to co-found CASEN (Collaborative Advancement for Social-Emotional Needs), which helps children, especially neurodivergent children, build online safety awareness and healthy social-emotional skills.
Dr. Clark shares the warning signs parents should watch for, why digital safety matters even if your child isn’t technically on social media, and why she believes in “preparation before participation.” She also opens up about the loneliness and exhaustion parents can experience while advocating for their children, and the importance of caring for yourself along the way.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Quiet warning signs that may point to cyberbullying or online harassment
- Why gaming chats and other digital spaces can carry risks even without social media
- Why open communication with your child matters before a problem happens
- Practical ways moms can care for themselves while carrying the weight of advocacy
Dr. Clark is also the founder of the Mothers of Exceptional Kids Parent Support Group, a community created to help parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children find support, reduce burnout, and feel less alone. She is the author of eight books and continues to combine personal experience with professional insight to offer families practical guidance and hope.
This conversation is full of useful, grounded advice for parents who want to help their children navigate the digital world with more confidence and safety.
Enjoy!
Theme song: Look at the Clouds by Tristan Lohengrin
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Brigitte talks about how to find hope on the autism parenting journey.