Recent searches
Search options
Here’s a specific question:
A friend has an autistic son about age 11. One of his special interests is building his own computers from parts. But he’s just hit the upper limit of what he can figure out on his own.
Where would you look for support? Ideally like a computer hobbyist / maker / nerd who could consult with this child and help him along? Like a build-your-own-PC tutor?
Back in the day there were “computer clubs” like the famous Homebrew Computer Club. I’m not even sure if groups like that exist anymore. 
Thank you!
@scott That was about the age that I ended up spending most of my life on forums and in chat rooms and communities about my special interests.
@scott Here in the Netherlands you have programming spaces for young people. Maybe something like that is also available on your location and it wouldn't surprise me if they will know where you kid have to go. Good luck!
@joeneXtra I will explore it. Thanks!
@scott I have no idea about people, but the magazine PC Gamer always has a section on hardware, including *some* manner of advice on making your own. I've never really looked at it, because I have no interest in constructing technology, but it could be a helpful resource for him.
@ijk thank you!
@scott @pathfinder You may wanna check out CrunchLabs - they sell “hack packs” - kits which are basically cool mechanical toys controlled by simple microcontrollers. Ready-to-run code is included, as well as an online “coding academy” type thing which lets you experiment on your own.
Personal Robot Making is not exactly the same as PC building, but it’s at least as interesting, IMAO (in my autistic opinion)
Mark Rober (Veritasium guy) teaches you about what you’re doing via instructional videos on YouTube, and I understand there’s a Discord community as well.
https://www.crunchlabs.com/
@cmdrmoto oh this looks great. Thank you!
@scott The buildapc subreddit is a good place to ask questions (or was, it's been a year or two since I was there).
@srvanderplas ah thank you!
@scott See if you have a local #MakerSpace #HackSpace #RepairCafe or #ComputerClub.
@cybervegan Thank you so much. I think I was stuck on the term “homebrew” that I didn’t know the right terms to search for. Maker / hacker spaces sound perfect!
@scott
Youtube is full of PC Hardware channels. There is a range from low level content, like what parts do you need and how to assemble, apply heat paste etc., up to engineering analysis of power chips, stability, over clocking and so on.
@confusius thanks! Not sure if this particular child has easy YouTube access, but I’ll explore this!
@scott I'd see if there are any DIY-computer-adjacent groups meeting near you...think modular synth hardware, retrocomputing (Amigas, classic Macs, game consoles in emulation, etc.)...and also machine learning/"AI", because at the moment almost anybody needing lots of GPU compute has built at least one gaming rig at home
@scott @emma_cogdev Public libraries sometimes have very engaged youth programs to support a wide variety of interests. Some offer patron tech training or mentoring sessions. Also check to see if there's a local Raspberry Pi community. The Rasp Pi crowd loves to share project ideas and support kids developing skills.
@tianacutright @emma_cogdev these are such helpful ideas, thank you!