Can Screen Time Cause Autism?
No,
screen time
does not
cause autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is believed to arise from
genetic and
biological factors, not from external influences like screen time. While
excessive screen time may impact a child’s development in other areas, such as language skills or sleep patterns, it is not a direct cause of autism.
Research indicates that autism is linked to differences in brain development, and the causes are multifactorial. Factors like genetics, prenatal environment, and early childhood experiences play a much more significant role in the development of ASD.
However, it’s important for parents to be mindful of screen time limits, as excessive use can interfere with important activities like social interaction and physical activity, which are essential for any child's growth. Balancing screen time with interactive play and real-world experiences can benefit all children, including those with autism.
Need ABA Therapy for Your Child?
At Inclusive ABA, we provide individualized ABA therapy in Nevada, Nebraska, and Colorado that helps children with autism develop essential life skills and succeed in their everyday activities.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child!
SOURCES:
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/screen-time-kids-with-asd/
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/qa-portal/qa-portal-library/qa-portal-library-questions/early-childhood-screen-time-brain-development-and-autism/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10442849/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5849631/
https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-a-study-on-the-association-of-screen-time-before-2-years-of-age-and-risk-of-autism-at-12-years-of-age/
