The negative impact of screen time is an important issue for everyone – adults, teens, and children, including children with autism. Parents, with good intentions, may allow their children with autism to use electronic devices for a variety of reasons, including:
- A calming effect – a child who is upset may calm down when provided with an electronic device that allows them to play a favorite video or game
- Respite for parents – an electronic device may keep the child occupied so that parents can care for other children, prepare meals, take care of other household needs, or just take a much-needed break
- Education – games or software may be advertised as educational so parents believe that they will help the child’s development.
Although these reasons may be valid, parents should exercise caution. There is much available information about the negative impacts of too much screen time on children without autism. However, children with autism may experience even more negative impacts from screen time than neurotypical children. Some of the negative impacts of screen time on children with autism are as follows:
- Children with autism are often sensitive to stimulants of any kind, whether they are medications or electronics. Screen time for children with autism may result in overstimulation and emotional dysregulation
- Over half of children with autism have chronic sleep problems. Light from screens suppresses melatonin and may disrupt sleep
- Screen time reduces the ability of children with autism to learn social cues, empathy, and communication skills
- Children with autism are prone to become addicted to screens with less exposure than neurotypical children.
There are several steps that parents can take to help reduce or prevent some of the negative impacts of screen time on children with autism. Specific strategies include:
- Reduce screen time gradually
- Add new activities and designate certain new and old activities as times when screen time is not available
- Have a daily schedule for screen time
- Use a timer to limit the duration of screen time
- Designate times that parents or others are not available to interact, such as when preparing meals or helping siblings, as periods when screen time is available
- Use limited screen time as a reward after your child completes less preferred activities, such as picking up toys
- Periodically interact with your child and their screen activity to help with communication and learning
- End screen time at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
Total elimination of screen time may not be feasible for you but also may not be necessary to help your child with autism avoid the potential downsides. With planning, limits, and monitoring your child can still enjoy screen time and keep making progress!
For more information on how to support your autistic child, contact our ABA experts– we’re happy to help!
