psychologist North Brisbane

Autism and Screen Time Clinical Psychologist

Research indicates that children and adolescents with ASD spend more time in video games and computers than their peers (Mazurek et al., 2012; 2013; Kuo et al., 2014). Although there are evidence-based benefits identified through the use of digital and social media, such as opportunities for early learning, knowledge-building and increased opportunities for communication and social support, there are a number of risks to consider. These include: poor sleep hygiene, attention, addiction, high incidence of obesity and depression; exposure to inaccurate, inappropriate or unsafe contents and contacts; and privacy and confidentiality of privacy.

Individuals with ASD are believed to be attracted to screens more than their peers due to a frequent, predictable and highly customizable interface for specific interests. Digital media produces a visual and auditory correlation that stimulates nerve pathways, and that for many children and adolescents with ASD, these nerve pathways are not necessarily stimulated during direct interactions. These social interactions are often of concern to many young people, so it is understandable why digital media devices are preferred. However, the use of social media can also be a cause of poor mental and physical health and has been associated with increased depression and increased social anxiety and other lifestyle-related diseases (Becker et al., Chassiakos et al., Sedani et al.,).

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Because screen time is so tempting, parents need to take concrete steps to create borders and structure. Below are strategies for managing screen time access for young people with autism spectrum disorder (these strategies are relevant to their typical neurological counterparts) 

1. Parents must set limits for hourly increases during weekdays and weekends that are consistent throughout the year.
2. Parents need to model to use appropriate technology, including the use of smartphones / tablets at the dinner table or at certain hours of the evening.
3. Parents need to add an external structure to the afternoon and evenings. Young people with MS will need more external structure than their peers and will benefit greatly from increased social interaction in real time. Parents are encouraged to arrange small game groups, participate in creative / fantasy play, coordinate martial arts / sports groups, or join specialized clubs (such as Lego Robotics). It is important to replace the screen time with interesting and attractive alternatives.
4. Parents should organize screen time at specified time intervals. Computer access from 7 to 9 pm will work better than just saying "You have two hours of access each evening." It prevents power struggles and means that fathers will not have to run the junior administration.
5. Parents should monitor social media closely and must have access to account passwords. Young people with MS social media are likely to learn later about their peers. They may also lack awareness of social mixing that puts them at risk of problematic interactions online, including cyberbullying.
6. Parents should give a warning (for example, ten minutes) before the screen time expires. When the screen access time expires, parents should use a clear and quiet connection and avoid negotiating additional screen time. Positive reinforcement strategies must be implemented to reward desired behaviors.
7. Parents must avoid the demon of digital technology. With Open Conversation, parents can set screen time limits and limits, without creating an adversarial interaction. Digital media is very attractive, there is no denial. As adults, we can respect digital media while respecting our borders.