Computer misuse

Threats of the net

Illegal hacking, sexual predators,
extremist recruiters, trolls, illegal
drugs and even weapons – the
dark side of the internet harbours
many dangers. Dr Mitzi Waltz
discusses the risks and what
parents can do to minimize them

Remember Gary McKinnon, who I am aware of some ‘trolls’ who

was diagnosed with Asperger have gone to the extreme of
syndrome while fighting against maliciously goading young people
extradition to the US over breaking with autism to commit suicide,
into computer databases belonging even offering to provide them with
to NASA, the US military and the the place and means to take their
Pentagon? It has taken high-profile own lives.
cases such as this for parents of “[Some] internet trolls exhibit
young people with autism to wake psychopathic traits, engaging with
up to the possibility that computer and attacking people and not
use can involve illegal hacking, displaying any remorse or guilt for
with potentially dire consequences. their actions,” says Dr Michelle
Most parents are also aware of Drouin, an Indiana University-
the presence of sexual predators based developmental psychologist
and extremist recruiters on the whose focus is on social media
internet. But while the web offers and online communications. “They
many positive opportunities for may attack or prey on others whom
communication, enjoyment and they perceive to be vulnerable,
work for people with autism, these without any guilt about whom they
are not the only dark corners we may be victimizing.”
must educate and protect young However, some pernicious
people against. ‘trolls’ are themselves on the autism
spectrum: their lack of
Beware the troll understanding about the emotional
‘Trolling’ – the deliberate practice responses of others can lead them
of posting provocative and even to make obnoxious or threatening
threatening statements targeting posts. When arguments begin
others – is as old as the Usenet online, it’s easy for words to spiral
discussion lists that preceded the out of control. To quote one show that five people per day are posted offensive images on “I’m addicted because honestly, Engaged: but
web as we know it today. Some individual with Asperger syndrome being convicted under Section 127 memorial sites and taunted the From the I’m trying to fill a hole in my heart young people
people see it as a sort of sport, like who has written publicly about of the Communications Act 2003 or family members of young people with shopping, which is sad.” also need to
bear baiting but with human victims. struggling with impulsive trolling: the Malicious Communications Act who had died. moment they (Anonymous, 2010). be educated to
Trolling is rife on wide-open “I make comebacks that are… (The Telegraph, 2015). put a connected Overspending on legitimate the internet’s
social media venues such as awkward, childish ad immature,” The creation of fake online Shopping for trouble products is bad enough, but there dangers
Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook. he writes, then “I lose the troll fight/ profiles in order to harass others Other teenagers and young adults device in their is also an online market in illegal
It can also be seen in spaces such argument and do things like Dr Michelle Drouin: can be enough to invite on the spectrum have fallen prey to children’s hands, drugs and weapons. The public
as the comment sections run by posting childish all-caps death internet trolls “may prosecution. Several people with the lures of online shopping sites. arrest and prosecution of Gary
YouTube, mainstream newspapers threats” (Anonymous, 2015). attack or prey on autism have been convicted in this Sometimes they steal from or parents and educators Davis, the alleged administrator of
and online publications, Minecraft Most ‘trolls’ are unaware that others whom they way over the past few years (BBC, defraud their parents or employers of all children need to the Silk Road black market
servers, and other game sites. their behaviour can be criminal. perceive to be 2012). One example was the to fund a ‘shopping addiction’. This website, on charges of conspiracy
People with autism can be In the UK, ‘trolling’ can attract a vulnerable, without conviction in 2011 of Sean Duffy, a can be driven by a collecting monitor their children’s to sell narcotics and money
victimised by ‘trolls’, suffering prison sentence of up to two years. any guilt” young man with autism from obsession. As one 23-year-old internet use” laundering, has done little to close
severe blows to their self-esteem. Government figures from 2015 Reading in Berkshire, after he confessed in an online forum: the doors of these secret bazaars.

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 Computer misuse

Davis, from County Wicklow, has

tried to fight extradition to the US,
citing his Asperger syndrome
diagnosis (Rogan, 2015).
Mohammed Ali of Bolton is
another person with an ASD who
has stumbled onto the ‘Dark Web’,
Dr Mitzi Waltz is a the part of the internet where items
senior researcher including deadly poisons, illegal
with Rotterdam weapons and child pornography
University of Applied are for sale. Caught in an FBI sting,
Sciences, and an the computer programmer was
autism consultant. charged with possessing a
She is also the parent chemical weapon after ordering the
of a young man on poison ricin (Pennink, 2015).
the autism spectrum It is important for young people
to know that an ASD diagnosis will
not act as a get-out-of-jail-free card
in such prosecutions. At best, it
could help a defendant trade
prison for a secure hospital or
mandatory community treatment.
Ironically, these types of sentences
can last longer than prison terms
for the same crimes, and may
include forced medication.

Aspirational futures through

is available that can prevent access
What parents can do I’m addicted to some sites, but determined
“From the moment they put a users can often get around this:
because
inspirational education & care connected device in their
children’s hands, parents and
educators of all children need to
honestly, I’m trying
there is no substitute for talking
and spending time together while
the person you care for is online.
monitor their children’s internet to fill a hole in my So, stay involved in your child’s
We are dedicated to fulfilling the hope of every use,” Dr Drouin says. heart with shopping, or adult’s online life, asking
“Although there are certain questions and being alert to signs
parent by releasing their child’s full potential. places where children are more which is sad” of agitation, worry or secrecy.
likely to encounter trolls (such as Support your child or adult to be
websites where people may post in a socially appropriate way.” active in non-computer-based
anonymously), children could also The same caution applies to activities as well. Most important,
encounter trolls on commonly used concerns about compulsive talk about what is legal and
social networking sites like shopping and the Dark Web. acceptable. Social stories may help
Instagram and Facebook. Parents Parents should ensure that they do to explain this to individuals who
should be followers or friends with not share bank account or credit are more impacted by autism, while
their children on these sites and card details with their children, do those who are more computer-
check in regularly to see that what not leave their cards in reach, and savvy will need to engage regularly
they’re posting is appropriate and check their statements regularly for with people who demonstrate safe,
that others are engaging with them any mystery transactions. Software responsible online behaviour.

REFERENCES
l Anonymous (2010): “Popular hobbies and addictions.”
Schools Children’s Homes Integrated Therapy Online at: http://wrongplanet.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=139361&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
l Anonymous (2015): “Autism + online trolling = one of the worst things that can happen in the Internet,” Reddit.
Online at: https://m.reddit.com/r/aspergers/comments/3d6euu/autism_online_trolling_one_of_the_worst_things/
l BBC (2012): “Facebook ‘troll’ Sean Duffy sentenced for offensive Sophie Taylor image,” BBC News Scotland.
Online at: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-17385042
To find out more about what your child’s story of success l Pennink, Emily (2015): “Dad accused of trying to buy ‘Breaking Bad-style’ ricin displayed traits of Asperger Syndrome, jury told,”
could look like visit www.witherslackgroup.co.uk The Mirror, 25 July. Online at: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dad-accused-trying-buy-breaking-6125739
l Rogan. Aaron (2015): “Silk Road accused ‘exaggerated Asperger’s’,” The Times, 2 December.
Online at: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/irishnews/article4629952.ece
l Telegraph staff (2015): “Five Internet trolls a day convicted in UK as figures show ten-fold increase,” The Telegraph, 24 May.
Online at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/11627180/Five-internet-trolls-a-day-convicted-in-UK-as-figures-show-ten-
t. 015395 66081 e. [email protected] fold-increase.html

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