An Exploratory Study of Internet Use and Safety Concerns for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Anthony Osuna; Micah Pepper; Fallon Zollars; Sharon Kiche; John Wennberg; Bianca Rodriguez; Tumaini R Coker; Dimitri Christakis; Frederick Shic; Karen Bearss

doi:10.1007/s10803-025-07166-3

An Exploratory Study of Internet Use and Safety Concerns for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

J Autism Dev Disord. 2025 Dec 12. doi: 10.1007/s10803-025-07166-3. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Anthony Osuna^{1

2}, Micah Pepper³, Fallon Zollars^{4

5

6}, Sharon Kiche⁷, John Wennberg³, Bianca Rodriguez³, Tumaini R Coker⁸, Dimitri Christakis^{9

4}, Frederick Shic^{9

4}, Karen Bearss¹⁰

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. AOsuna@UW.edu.
² Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA. AOsuna@UW.edu.
³ Seattle Children's Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center, Bothell, WA, USA.
⁴ Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
⁵ Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
⁶ School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
⁷ Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
⁸ John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.
⁹ Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
¹⁰ Catalight, Walnut Creek, CA, USA.

PMID: 41385125
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-025-07166-3

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores internet use patterns, safety challenges, and support needs among intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) adults, with the goal of informing the redesign of an internet safety intervention program.

Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted with 38 participants, including 17 IDD adults and 21 family caregivers (referred to as 'caregivers'), affiliated with a community-based organization. Participants completed surveys assessing digital behavior, challenges, and support needs. A subsample of 22 participants engaged in semi-structured interviews to provide in-depth perspectives. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis.

Results: IDD adults demonstrated active digital engagement across multiple platforms for social connection, learning, and entertainment. Participants revealed that IDD adults face challenges related to interpreting social cues, avoiding scams, and managing digital boundaries. Survey results show that challenges like knowing who to trust online was a concern for 82% of self-reporters and 76% of caregivers. Four themes were identified: internet use, online challenges, strategies, and recommendations. Caregivers often served as digital gatekeepers but reported limited access to resources and training. Study participants emphasized the need for practical, adaptable tools that align with evolving technology and individualized support needs.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for accessible, stakeholder-informed interventions that address foundational digital literacy and emerging online risks. Results will inform the redesign of the Socialization, Education, and Learning for the Internet program and contribute to broader efforts to enhance digital safety, autonomy, and inclusion for IDD adults.

Keywords: Digital literacy; Intellectual and developmental disabilities; Internet safety.