Why Early Screen Time May Increase Autism Risk

In recent years, many young kids use screens a lot:

• In 2018, almost half of kids under 5 used screens for two or more hours each day.
• This number went up to 55.3% in 2020.
• Kids living in poverty had even higher screen use.

Studies on autism and screen time show a link, but not a direct cause. Health experts say you should limit screen time for better social and emotional growth. Many people do not understand this link, but using screens in moderation and staying involved helps your child.

Key Takeaways

• Keep screen time low for kids under 5 to help them grow socially and emotionally.
• Watch screens together with your child to help them learn and feel close to you.
• Suggest other things to do, like playing outside, making crafts, or reading, to help your child grow in a healthy way.
• Make simple screen time rules and let your child help make these rules to build good habits.
• Watch how your child acts for signs of too much screen time, like changes in mood or being less social.

Autism and Screen Time

Research Findings

Scientists have studied how screen time relates to autism. They use tools like ScreenQ to check screen habits in young kids.

Here are some key things they found:

Children with autism usually get higher ScreenQ scores than other kids. More screen time links to stronger autistic symptoms and lower developmental scores. Kids with autism who use screens a lot may have lower developmental scores. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score goes up with more screen time. This shows a link between screen habits and autism symptoms. Too much screen time can cause symptoms that look like autism, especially in preschoolers. Watching screens together, called co-viewing, can also make symptoms worse.

Kids who see screens before age five have a higher risk of autism. Three studies agree that early screen time raises the risk. Most kids now see screens before age two.

At age one, kids watch screens for about 53 minutes each day. By age three, this goes up to over 150 minutes. Kids with autism often start using screens earlier and for longer. More screen time at age one is linked to an autism diagnosis at age three.

Boys have a special risk. Boys who use screens more at age one have a higher chance of autism by age three. One study found this link was stronger for boys. These facts show why it is important to watch screen habits in young kids.

You can help lower risk by keeping screen time short and choosing interactive activities.

Scientific Consensus

Experts agree there is a strong link between autism and screen time. But they do not say screens cause autism.

Researchers use studies to look for links, but these studies cannot prove cause. Most research only shows relationships at one time. Scientists hope future studies will give better answers.

Big health groups have looked at many studies. A review of 46 studies found a strong link between screen time and autism. But when researchers checked for bias, the results were less clear.

One study in JAMA Pediatrics said each extra hour of screen time could raise autism symptoms by 49%. Still, experts say this does not mean screens cause autism.

Experts like Dr. James L. Findon and Dr. Rachel Moseley say the evidence does not show a cause. They think autistic kids may just use screens more than others. Screen time may show differences in social and emotional growth, not cause them.

Family income and a mother’s education can affect both screen time and autism risk. When researchers control for these things, the link sometimes disappears.

Longitudinal studies follow kids over time. These studies show that kids with autism and ADHD symptoms often have more screen time before age two.

But research has limits. Many studies use screening tests, not real diagnoses. Few studies directly link screen time to autism. Studying young children’s brains is hard.

You should remember that autism and screen time are connected in many ways. But experts do not say screens cause autism. You can help your child by learning more and making smart choices about screen use.

Impact on Child Development

Brain Development

A child’s brain grows very fast when they are young. What they do every day helps their brain make new connections.

If a child spends too much time on screens, they miss out on learning from real life. Kids need to see, touch, and talk with people to get smarter.

Too much screen time can stop kids from seeing and doing normal things. This can make it harder for them to learn about the world. They may start to focus only on screens, which is not good for their growth. Studies show that kids under 2 do not learn as much from videos as from people. Babies can look at screens at 6 months, but they do not really understand what they see until after age 2.

Research shows that using screens a lot can change the brain. These changes can make it harder to talk, remember things, and understand others.

The research team found that more screen use links to lower CT and SD in many brain areas. Lower CT and SD are tied to language, reading, and social skills. These skills include memory, empathy, and knowing how people feel.

A big study found that kids who use screens for over two hours a day do worse on language and thinking tests. Kids who use screens for more than seven hours a day have thinner cortexes in their brains. The cortex helps with thinking and making choices.

These brain changes are important because the brain grows very fast before age 5. The brain is very sensitive to what happens during this time.

Kids who use screens a lot may have trouble paying attention and talking to others. Some studies show their prefrontal cortex changes. This part of the brain helps with choices and self-control.

• Kids who use screens a lot have more trouble paying attention.
• They may find it hard to talk with friends.
• They may not feel as motivated.
• Their prefrontal cortex can look different during screen use.

Thinking skills like talking and remembering can get worse with too much screen time. Kids who use screens for more than two hours a day do worse in language and thinking. Using apps in preschool can make it harder for kids to control themselves.

• Early screen time is linked to worse language and thinking skills.
• Two or more hours of screen time hurts brain growth.
• Screen time can make it harder for kids to learn and remember.

Social Skills

Social skills help kids make friends and share feelings. Too much screen time can hurt these skills. Kids who use screens a lot may have trouble talking and solving problems with friends.

We found that using screens hurts language, mood, and social skills in young teens. More screen time also means less reading, which can hurt language and brain growth.

How much and what kind of screen time matters. Kids who use screens before age two have more risks. The World Health Organization says screen time before age two can hurt body, language, and social growth.

Kids who use screens for more than 1.5 hours a day at age two often do worse in language and school. They also have more trouble with friends.

Longer screen use when kids are young links to more mood and behavior problems. Kids who see screens at 18 months may have trouble paying attention by 30 months.

Screen time can also take away time with your child. When you or your child look at screens, you miss chances to talk and play. This is called “technoference.” Being distracted by screens makes parent-child time worse. Kids are less social when parents do not answer them.

• Technoference” means technology gets in the way of talking to your child.
• Any distraction, even not from screens, can hurt parent-child time.
• Distracted parents do not notice their child’s signals, so kids are less social.
• All distractions, including screens, make parent-child time worse. It is important to spend time together without screens.

You can help your child by picking good shows and limiting screen time. Kids with autism and screen problems do better with more face-to-face time. Less screen use can help social skills and autism symptoms.

Reducing Risk

Screen Time Limits

You can help your child by making clear screen time rules. Doctors say young kids should have limits:

• Kids under 18 months should only use screens for video chats.
• Kids 18 to 24 months can watch good shows with an adult.
• Kids 2 to 5 years should use screens for one hour a day or less, and watch with someone.

Start with small goals that you can reach. Tell your child what you expect. Make some rooms in your house screen-free. Use controls on devices to help.

Keep screens out of bedrooms. Make meals and bedtime times with no screens. These steps help your child build good habits.

A table can help you plan what to do:

Alternative Activities

You can swap screen time for things that help your child grow. Playing, making crafts, cooking, and outdoor games help your child learn and stay healthy.

Building forts, gardening, and drawing help your child be creative and solve problems. Playing outside helps your child feel better and learn social and motor skills. Nature can lower stress and help your child’s feelings.

• Crafts
• Cooking
• Drawing
• Outdoor play

Try to go outside every day. Moving and fresh air help your child’s brain and body grow. These things also help your child talk and share with others.

Parental Engagement

What you do shapes your child’s habits. When you set rules and talk about screens, your child learns to make good choices. Family time outside or doing things together can help cut down on screens. Kids who help make screen rules often have better social skills.

Spending time together, even with screens, can help. Watching shows and talking about them helps your child learn empathy. Good time with parents helps language and feelings grow. Your help and attention matter a lot for your child’s growth.

Studies show that using screens too much when young can raise autism risk or make symptoms worse. You can help by making clear rules about screen time.

Pick good, interactive shows or games for your child. Experts say you should play with your child and read books together. Try not to use screens during meals.

Being part of your child’s life and making smart choices helps them grow well.
Some helpful resources are:

• 5 Healthy Goals
• Kids & Screen Time: How to Use the 5 C’s of Media Guidance

FAQ

Is screen time the only factor that affects autism risk?

Screen time is one factor. Genetics, environment, and family history also play roles. You should focus on healthy habits and balanced activities for your child.

How much screen time is safe for young children?

Doctors recommend less than one hour per day for kids ages 2 to 5. For children under 18 months, you should only allow video chats.

Choose high-quality programs and watch together to help your child learn.

Can educational apps lower autism risk?

Educational apps do not lower autism risk. You should use them with your child and talk about what you see. Face-to-face play and conversation help your child more.

What signs show my child uses screens too much?

You may notice trouble paying attention, less talking, or mood changes. Your child may avoid playing with others or lose interest in family time.