Is There Really a Link Between Screen Time and Autism?

 

For any parent, spending time with their child is the highest priority. In the midst of juggling jobs and household chores, however, giving children quality time every day may be difficult. It’s no wonder then that many parents choose to keep their children occupied by letting them watch television or videos on a digital screen. Recently, there has been some concern about whether extended screen time for very young children increases the risk of Autism later on. In this blog, we will address such concerns head-on by breaking down the facts.

Understanding Autism

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social, behavioral, and communicative abilities. Children with Autism have trouble interacting with others, forming relationships, and living an independent lifestyle. Availing the best Autism treatment, which includes Stem Cell Therapy, Occupational Therapy Intervention (such as Sensory Integration Therapy, Behavior Retraining Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Social Skills Training), and Speech Therapy can help children develop better social skills and functional abilities.

The link between screen time and Autism

While up to 80% of Autism cases have genetic origins, non-genetic contributors to the incidence of Autism are still not fully understood. In this regard, screen time has been identified as a potential contributor. A recent study conducted by researchers from Dornsife School of Public Health and Drexel University’s College of Medicine examined how factors like watching television or videos and social playtime were associated with Autism symptoms. 

According to the study, which was published in ‘JAMA Pediatrics’, babies who were exposed to screens at age 12 months showed 4.2% more Autism symptoms at age two years than babies who did not view screens. The same study showed that daily playtime with parents was associated with 8.9% fewer Autism symptoms at two years than less frequent playtime.

The findings support guidelines put forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends that children under 18 months of age not have screen time unless it is for video chatting. According to the authors of the study, the findings illustrate the importance of increased social interaction and playtime between adults and their young children as a way of potentially minimizing the children’s risk of Autism. There was also an earlier, related study in 2006 by Cornell business professors who found that toddlers and young children who watched television had a higher occurrence of autism. 

What does this mean?

It is important to remember, however, that these findings are not necessarily an indicator of greater Autism Spectrum Disorder risk. Rather, the findings are a measure of how often ASD-like symptoms were displayed. It is also important to recognize that excessive and daily screen time can cause young children to become more withdrawn and to be less comfortable in social interactions. This is one of the classic indicators of Autism but is not in itself an indicator that Autism is present. The authors of the study suggest in this regard that parents limit their children’s exposure to screens and that parents co-watch with the children to help them understand what the screen is showing.

Screen time, moreover, has other negative effects on children that are more clearly palpable. Young children who spend too much time indoors in front of a screen are likelier to be overweight or obese later on. Screen exposure at a very young age can also affect the eyes. At a deeper level, too much screen time can affect a child’s ability to observe how the world works and how daily interactions are supposed to happen — potentially leading to a sort of ‘tunnel vision’ that can affect their overall development. Hence, it is recommended that children under two years of age not be exposed to screens at all and that older children only do so for limited time periods and under their parents’ supervision.

In conclusion, while studies have indicated a link between screen time for young children and the occurrence of Autism symptoms, there is no causal evidence strong enough for parents to panic. However, it is always ideal to expose children to more hands-on playtime and outdoor activities. As a parent, this means that you should try to spend at least small amounts of time playing with or reading to your child every day. This increases familial bonds, emotionally  strengthens the child, and sets them up for healthy, loving relationships all their lives.

In the event that your child is diagnosed with Autism, you should avail best Autism treatment available to manage its effects.