Screen Time and Autism

Screen Time and Autism

Screens are now a big part of everyday life for kids in the United States.  This is the result of changing habits in society and the fast growth of technology.  The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children ages two to five should spend no more than one hour on screens during weekdays and no more than three hours on weekends.  However, many studies show that most kids in the U.S. go well beyond this and spend “five to seven hours a day” on screens.

While screens can be helpful, many health experts worry about the possible harms of too much screen time, especially in young children.  Researchers have studied how “unsupervised screen time” affects brain growth, including the white matter, which is linked to thinking, language, and reading skills.  Since children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may already struggle with social and communication skills, their screen use has become an important area of study.

Why are autistic individuals drawn to screens?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that can make socializing face-to-face more difficult.  As a result, many autistic people may prefer more solitary activities, like playing on screens (such as smart phones, tablets, video game consoles, and computers).  Screens are not as socially demanding as in-person activities, and therefore less stressful for the autistic person.  Many also enjoy routines and often have narrow interests. This can lead them to spend more time on familiar activities, such as watching the same show or playing the same game, instead of trying new activities.

Pros and Cons of Screen Time for Autistic Individuals.

Cynthia Martin, PsyD, senior director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute, explains that “there’s certainly a lot of benefits to screens,” however, they should not be relied upon too heavily.

Benefits of the Use of Screens and Autistic Individuals:

• Regulation and Predictability.  When and autistic person is using a screen, they get to control what happens next in a way that they can’t in real life.  They can re-watch a favorite video on demand or they can play a familiar game as many times as they would like.  When done in moderation and with supervision, spending time on screens can make autistic people feel less stressed.
• Improve communication and social skills.  Using screens can take away some of the pressure of face-to-face conversations.  Educational shows, apps, and games may also help build social skills.
• Communication tools.  Tools like speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and AAC devices allow autistic individuals to take part in activities such as reading, writing, or talking.
• Executive Function and Life Skills.  Apps like calendars and planners can help with organization and independence.  Technology, including learning games and virtual reality, can also teach skills like personal hygiene or navigation.
• Vocational and Future Career Skills.  Comfort with computers can lead to strong career opportunities in fields like coding, computer science, or video game design.

Concerns Regarding the Use of Screens and Autistic Individuals:

• Dependence on screens.  Since autistic people can find time spent on screens to be calming, they may begin to rely too much on screens to feel relaxed.  Because of that, screen time can become a habit that is hard to break, much like an addiction.

• Sleep Issues.  Blue light from screens can disrupt sleep patterns.  Poor sleep can cause tiredness and mood problems.

• Decreased Focus.  Too much screen time may shorten attention spans and make it harder to focus on non-screen activities.

• Risk of Cyberbullying.  Because autistic kids may take things literally, it can be hard for them to understand online communication.  This can make them easy targets for bullying or being tricked.

• Decreased Physical Activity.  More time on screens means less time for physical play, which can lead to health issues like weight gain or diabetes.

Finding the Balance and Managing Screen Time.

There is no single answer for how much screen time is right for an autistic child. What’s important is that parents and caregivers set boundaries and pay attention to what the child is doing on their devices.

Ways to Manage Screen Time:

•  Create a Daily Schedule with Clear Limits.  Autistic kids thrive on routine.  Setting specific times for screen use, like one hour after school before another activity, helps provide structure and teaches them how to enjoy things in moderation.
• Avoid Screens Before Bed.  Remove devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.  Use this time for calming activities like reading or storytelling instead.
• Offer a Variety of Activities.  Providing other fun choices during the day can make kids less focused on screens (art projects, puzzles, playing outside, etc…).  Screen time can also be used as a reward after chores or responsibilities.
• Use Screens Only When Social Interaction Isn’t Possible.  For some autistic people, screens can be something they use when a parent or caregiver is busy cooking or cleaning.  This can be a good way for an autistic child to receive the benefits of screen time when socially interacting with their caregiver is not possible.  Just make sure that autistic kids turn off their screens when chances to socialize pop up.
• Monitor and Be a Role Model. Caregivers should watch what their child does online to keep them safe and make sure content is age-appropriate. Parents should also set an example by limiting their own screen use.

Article by: EmilieAnne Baker and The Autism Toolkit

National Libraries of Medicine Sources

Sarfraz, S., Shlaghya, G., Narayana, S. H., Mushtaq, U., Shaman Ameen, B., Nie, C., Nechi, D., Mazhar, I. J., Yasir, M., & Arcia Franchini, A. (2023a). Early screen-time exposure and its association with risk of developing autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Cureus, 15(7). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10442849/

Sources

https://www.marcus.org/autism-resources/autism-tips-and-resources/managing-screen-time

https://childmind.org/article/screens-and-neurodivergent-kids/