Have you heard of Chatroulette? Even if you haven’t, your kids probably have.

Chatroutlette is the newest fad in the social networking world. The website has garnered attention from the gamut of television shows and news sources, growing from 500 visitors to millions in just a few months.

Equipped with nothing but a computer and a webcam, kids can chat with strangers from all over the world. Created by a 17-year-old high school student in Moscow, the thrill of using Chatroulette lies in its anonymity and randomness – the user never knows who they could be chatting with.

On the other end of the webcam could be a fellow student, a parent next door or someone in a remote part of the world – but, experts warn, the chances are high that it could also be a child predator or someone looking to expose themselves (and persuade your child to do the same).

Despite its popularity, Chatroulette poses serious dangers for children and teens, especially those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Asperger’s syndrome and other special needs. Children with ADHD, for example, tend to be impulsive and may not think through the consequences of using a site like Chatroulette. Children and teens with Asperger’s may lack an understanding of appropriate social boundaries and may be quick to trust a stranger without understanding that personal information should never be shared online.

“Chatroulette is like a perfect storm for children with special needs like ADHD and Asperger’s,” said Aaron McGinley, the clinical services manager at Talisman camps and school programs for teens with Asperger’s syndrome, high-functioning autism, ADHD and related issues. “The site plays to their vulnerabilities in a way that makes it extremely risky for them to use.”

So, what should parents do?

Limit Their Exposure. “The bottom line is the site is really too dangerous for kids,” said McGinley. “The educational and entertainment value is far outweighed by the potential harm.”

Because the site is new, edgy and risqué, teens are likely to be drawn to it. They may think the extreme and outrageous behavior they see is funny, or it may relieve their boredom. But Chatroulette is even more dangerous than other social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, and the graphic sexual content they’ll likely encounter is something most children won’t be able to process or comprehend.

Research from the Crimes Against Children Research Center has found that one in five U.S. teenagers who regularly log on to the Internet say they have received an unwanted sexual solicitation, such as a request to engage in sexual activities or sexual talk, or to give personal sexual information.

Don’t be lured into a false sense of security by Chatroulette’s security protocols. Although users must confirm that they are at least 16 years old and that they will not broadcast obscene, offensive or pornographic material, those protocols can be easily bypassed. And because users can be located anywhere in the world and don’t have to be registered, the site presents major hurdles for law enforcement.

Talk about the Risks. Now that you know about the dangers of Chatroulette, sit down with your child to talk about responsible Internet usage, and set limits on which sites are appropriate and which are not. Make sure the computer is in a place where you can monitor your child’s online activities, and set parental controls to block inappropriate websites.

Find Alternatives. Even if you use Chatroulette together as a family, it is likely that your child will be exposed to offensive material. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, find alternative ways for your children to have fun and meet people. Unplug your child from the Internet for awhile and sign them up for extracurricular activities, clubs or summer camp.

Talisman’s summer camps for children with ADHD and Asperger’s are a great way to enjoy a summer full of fun, adventure and new learning experiences. Campers are surrounded by peers who can relate to their challenges, as well as caring staff members who specialize in working with young people with special needs.

Although Chatroulette may be harmless amusement for some people, it is not a world you want your child with ADHD or Asperger’s to be immersed in. You don’t want your child talking to strangers on their way home from school – and you certainly don’t want them talking to strangers over the Internet.