Preventing Autistic Teens from Oversharing Personal Information at Work

In today’s digital age, privacy is more crucial than ever. For autistic teens entering the workforce,
understanding the boundaries of sharing personal information can be challenging. Parents play
a vital role in guiding their teens to ensure they maintain an appropriate level of privacy in
professional settings. Here’s how you can help your teen prevent oversharing at work.

Teaching the Importance of Privacy Early
It’s never too early to start teaching the importance of privacy. Explain to your teen why some
information is private and should remain confidential. Use simple language and concrete
examples to illustrate concepts of privacy and personal boundaries.

Discussing Acceptable Boundaries Regularly
Regular discussions about what is appropriate to share in different social settings can reinforce
the importance of boundaries. Create scenarios and discuss the types of information that can be
shared with coworkers versus what should remain private.

Utilizing Social Stories and Role-Play
Social stories and role-playing are effective tools for teaching autistic teens about appropriate
sharing. These methods allow them to practice scenarios in a controlled environment before
applying these skills in real-life situations.

Encouraging Private Messaging and Secure Communication
Guide your teen to use private messaging and secure communication channels for personal
conversations. This can help limit the risk of oversharing in public or professional settings.

Building a Support Network at Work
Help your teen establish a support network at work, including coworkers and supervisors who
understand their needs. A supportive work environment can provide guidance and
reinforcement about appropriate boundaries.

Implementing Technology Safeguards

Set up technology safeguards on your teen’s personal devices to limit oversharing. This might
include privacy settings on social media, monitoring software, or guidelines for using work
communication tools.

Regularly Checking In
Regular check-ins with your teen can help evaluate their understanding of privacy. Use these
moments to discuss any challenges they may be facing and offer guidance and reassurance.

Creating a Personalized Safety Plan
Work with your teen to create a personalized safety plan for managing personal information.
This plan can include specific strategies for different scenarios and a list of trusted individuals
they can turn to for advice.

Highlighting the Positive Aspects of Appropriate Sharing
Help your teen understand that sharing appropriately can lead to meaningful relationships and a
positive work experience. Reinforce the benefits of maintaining boundaries while still being open
and friendly.

Offering Resources and Workshops on Digital Literacy
Provide your teen with resources and workshops on digital literacy. These educational tools can
teach them how to manage their online presence and understand the implications of sharing
personal information digitally.

Helping your autistic teen understand and manage privacy at work is an ongoing process. By
teaching the importance of boundaries, providing practical tools, and offering consistent support,
you can empower them to thrive in their professional environment.