The Relationship Between Autism and Screens

There is a rise in screen time among children in the past several years due to technological advancements. Kids are exposed to screens through phones, tablets, TVs and game consoles. There is a growing debate among experts on whether this extra screen time is contributing to the higher rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What is the relationship between autism and screens?

Many people with autism are drawn to digital content because of its predictability and visual stimulation. There are a large range of symptoms experienced by people on the autistic spectrum. However, many are sensitive to sensory stimulation and social interaction. Repetitiveness is a common symptom. With digital content, children with ASD can control what they engage with, when they interact and how frequently these interactions occur.

Does screen time affect autism?

In a study out of Japan, longer screen time before the age of one year, resulted in more symptoms associated with ASD by age three in boys. Usage after age three did not appear to have the same effects. Girls did not appear to be as affected by screen time as boys, in this study of 84,030 children.

There is more research to be done on the connection between digital devices and autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that children with symptoms of autism often begin to show signs before the age of one. These children may intrinsically crave the spatial-visual nature of digital media. Parents may also rely on media to calm children with symptoms of autism or to teach language skills.

Researchers found that the majority of parents do not interact with their children during media use. Long periods of time without social interaction from caregivers can be detrimental to development in children.

Due to the limited amount of research on the link between screen time and autism, there is no conclusive evidence that extra screen time causes autism. However, early exposure to digital devices has been shown to be harmful in some cases. Screen time may make symptoms of autism worse.

Even though there isn’t enough research to show a link between overexposure to digital devices and autism, the AAP reported that excessive screen time can delay language and social development in young children, and recommends limiting screen use to promote healthier developmental outcomes.

Symptoms that may be worsened, are:

Decrease in cognitive ability
Impaired language development
Mood changes
Hyperactivity
Attention span difficulty
Trouble regulating emotions
Social interaction struggles
Reduction in physical activity

As kids that use too much digital content grow into adulthood, their usage typically increases. According to Autism Parenting Magazine, 64.2 percent of young adults with ASD spend their free time watching TV and playing digital games. Some statistics show usage of up to seven hours a day or more.

The AAP recommends limiting screen time to one half hour a day, and to counteract that time with an equal amount of time reading to the child.

Screens provide a constant stream of bright colors, sounds and fast-paced visuals that may over-stimulate children with autism. Long usage times may potentially affect their behavior and cognitive processing.

Other factors that played a role in brain development were watching unhealthy content and having screens in the bedroom. Taking into consideration all these factors, parents and caregivers should limit screen time.

Extended screen time was shown in this study published in the Journal of Pediatric Medicine, to have an effect on the white matter and gray matter of the brain. Researchers found a correlation showing lowered language and decreased emergent literacy skills in prekindergarten children.

To better understand how screen time affects children with autism, it’s important to understand how the brain processes information.

What does white matter of the brain do?

White matter facilitates communication between different areas of the brain by connecting gray matter regions (where neuron cell bodies reside). These connections allow the brain’s regions to work together seamlessly during complex tasks like learning, decision-making and movement.

White matter plays a role in higher-order cognitive functions such as memory, attention, decision-making and problem-solving. Damage to white matter can lead to slower processing times and cognitive decline.

In addition, changes in white matter can be linked to emotional disorders or difficulties with social behavior. White matter serves as the brain’s communication highway, ensuring efficient connectivity between different brain regions.

What is the role of gray matter in the brain?

Gray matter is involved in voluntary movement control. This is where muscle movements are initiated and coordinated throughout the body. Gray matter allows the brain to interpret sensory information from the external environment. Additionally, regions of gray matter, like the hippocampus, are crucial for memory formation and retrieval.

Impairment to another gray matter part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, can lead to problems in decision-making, planning, problem-solving and impulse control.

Harm to Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area in the gray matter can result in speech difficulties or language disorders like aphasia. The central hub where all information is received, processed, and integrated within the brain and spinal cord is located in the gray matter.

Should caregivers allow any screen time?

While research does not clearly establish whether screen time directly causes autism, excessive screen use can worsen symptoms in children with ASD. At the same time, digital devices can offer benefits, such as mood regulation and comfort, which is why parents and caregivers often rely on them. Engaging, gamified content can also be a valuable educational tool when used appropriately.

The key to healthy screen use lies in maintaining balance. Mindful use of digital media is the key.

At Therapeutic Educational Consulting, we help guide, support and recommend for all kinds of therapeutic answers. Schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss options.

Photo credit, Kelly Sikkema