Are children’s screen time and autism related?

Published on: 30 June 2023
Last update: 09 October 2023
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Many parents offer their kids television or phones so they can watch cartoons or movies geared towards children to keep them engaged. Although it might benefit the parents in the short term, this could ultimately be harmful to the child.

There is a link between autism and too much screen usage, according to numerous research. Children between the ages of 0 and 3 who spent more than four hours a day addicted to screens were found to have “sensory-motor and socio-affective deprivation.” This in turn triggered behaviours that resembled those of children who have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

There is presently no solid evidence to support the idea that too much screen time might directly cause autism in children, despite the fact that research into the subject is continuously underway.

Possible effects of excessive screen time on children

Even though studies on screen time and autism are still being conducted, the expert warns that too much screen time in youngsters may increase their risk of developing a number of health issues. Among the possible concerns put forth by too much screen time are:

Cognitive and language development

A child’s overall cognitive and communication abilities could be harmed if they spend too much time in front of their screens and miss out on opportunities for active play, social connections, and language development.

Behaviour and emotional management

According to several studies, excessive screen usage may be linked to behavioural difficulties such as attention deficit disorder, impulsivity, and poor emotional handling.

Eye strain and blurred vision

Extended screen use, especially if done without breaks or at insufficient distances, can cause dry eyes, eye strain, blurry vision, and other vision-related issues.

Difficulties in sleep

Screen time can affect sleep patterns and quality, affecting sleep and causing it difficult to fall asleep. This is especially true at night.

Passive attitude

An excessive amount of screen time frequently results in a less active way of life, which can increase the risk of obesity and other health issues.

It is the responsibility as parent to make sure your child is able to find a balance between screen time and other activities like physical activity, interactions with others, and creative endeavours.

Autism is a brain-based developmental situation. Recognising the initial signs of autism can help people prevent potential consequences. It influences how a kid interacts with the outside world. Social interaction and restricted but repeated patterns of action are its two defining characteristics.Delays and abnormalities in language development are some of the most prevalent issues parents of autistic children present with. Spoken language has declined or is delayed. Several of these behaviours tend to be lacking in a child with autism, including responding when called by name, sharing enjoyment with a caretaker, maintaining eye contact during communication, and pointing.

Children with autism generally favour solitary play than social play with others and participate in less of it. They might only use other people as “mechanical” instruments or as a means to achieve what they want without making eye contact, such as using a caregiver’s hand for doing things. A kid with autism is likely to exhibit stereotypical or repetitive actions such flapping the hands, moving the body, or spinning in circles. He or she resists change and insists on the same habits. Children with autism are frequently involved in repetitive or atypical play, such as opening and closing doors or turning on and off lights or paying excessive attention to little details like a particular or specific part of a toy

Warning signs of AUTISM

The following autistic symptoms should be recognised in order to prevent complications: