Researchers and the University of Missouri have developed a unique website for teaching social skills in a collaborative, interactive 3D virtual, on-line environment. This system is called iSocial and the following link provides more detail on what they have achieved. http://isocial-temp.missouri.edu/iSocial/
Andrea Macleod from University of Birmingham has written a paper in the Journal of Assistive Technologies, Volume 4 issue 1 (March, 2010) called "Welcome to my first rant!' Report on a participatory pilot project to develop the 'AS portal' an online peer support network for higher education students on the autism spectrum" This research has shown that there is value n exploring peer support networks for individuals on the spectrum and highlights the importance of appropriate design and sufficient time scale.
One great tool to use with your students is ZacBrowser, to make exploring the internet a safe and visually less confusing way to find information. for more information see http://zacbrowser.com
Sarah Parsons at the University of Birmingham and Colleagues are working on a project known as COSPATIAL where virtual environments and active surfaces and other kinds of 'spaces' are being tested for use with people with ASD in very applied settings such as the classroom. see http://cospatial.fbk.eu/
Attached are several papers by Moira Burke, from Carnegie Mellon University, who has been studying social networks used by HFA and ASD adults