How Can We Teach Privacy Settings and Location-Sharing Boundaries with Autism?

PostedDecember 4, 2025

UpdatedDecember 4, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Autism and privacy settings are important concepts for helping autistic individuals navigate the digital world safely. Many autistic individuals may struggle with understanding online safety and the importance of protecting personal information, particularly when it comes to location-sharing and setting appropriate digital boundaries. Teaching how to adjust privacy settings and establish clear boundaries about what is shared online can help prevent unwanted exposure and ensure a safer online experience.

By using simple, structured approaches, autistic individuals can learn to manage their online presence, keep their location private, and make informed decisions about sharing personal details.

Strategies for Teaching Privacy Settings and Location-Sharing Boundaries

Here are some strategies to help with autism and privacy settings:

Explain the Importance of Privacy Settings

Start by teaching why privacy settings are crucial for online safety. Walk through how to adjust settings on social media, apps, and devices to control who can see posts, photos, or other personal information.

Discuss the Risks of Location-Sharing

Help autistic individuals understand the risks of location-sharing. Explain that sharing their exact location can make them vulnerable to unwanted contact or intrusion. Teach them how to disable location services on apps and social media platforms, or how to share their location only with trusted individuals.

Practice Setting Boundaries in a Safe Environment

Teach digital boundaries by practising scenarios in a safe, supportive environment. Role-play situations where they decide whether to share their location or personal details online. This helps build confidence in making decisions about what to share and who to share it with.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations to explore autism and privacy settings, and learn strategies for managing online safety, location-sharing, and establishing digital boundaries.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Understanding Social Norms and Boundaries.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.