Meryl Alper, an Associate Professor at Northeastern University and author of *Kids Across the Spectrums*, dives into the experiences of autistic children in today’s digital landscape. She discusses the significance of inclusive media representation and critiques societal stereotypes surrounding autism. Alper advocates for empirical research over anecdotal evidence to better understand diverse experiences. The conversation also explores the role of technology in self-expression and identity formation for autistic individuals while addressing educational reform and online safety.

In this conversation, Meryl Alper, an expert in communication studies and educational research, shares insights from her new book on the experiences of autistic youth in the digital era. They discuss the impact of technology on social interactions, emphasizing both challenges and opportunities. Alper highlights the importance of inclusive media representation and listening to the voices from disability studies. She also offers empirical insights on communication preferences among autistic children and advocates for a deeper understanding of their emotional expressions.