What Do You Need to Know About Screen Time and Autism
Every parent knows the desire for a few minutes of peace, and screens can hold a child's attention for hours. Is extended screen use harmful for children with autism? Are there benefits to using electronic devices every day? The simple answer is…it’s not that simple!
We reached out to Dr. Tisa Johnson-Hooper, pediatrician and Medical Director at Henry Ford Health’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) and Brooke Ringler, a speech-language pathologist at Henry Ford Health for expert advice on screen use for children with autism.
Here, we share what you need to know. (Want more? Read the full article here.)
Develop healthy habits early
Dr. Johnson-Hooper stresses the importance of developing good habits early. “A child being able to entertain themselves with their environment is natural, but it takes practice in today’s society,” she says. Realistic expectations based on your child's developmental level are key. For instance, at family dinners, toddlers may need engaging distractions like books and crayons rather than tablets.
Positive uses for children with autism
Screens can sometimes help children with autism regulate their emotions, says Ringler. However, she cautions against relying solely on screens and emphasizes the need for high-quality content. Shows like Sesame Street can promote language skills, while others may not have the same benefits.
The downside of screens
Screens can’t replace human interaction, which is crucial for language development. Children exposed to screens hear fewer words and have less back-and-forth conversation practice. This is particularly problematic for children with autism, as screen time can reinforce core symptoms like repetitive behaviors and difficulty with transitions, says Dr. Johnson-Hooper.
Avoid overstimulation
Bright colors and loud noises from screens can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively affect social interactions, warns Ringler. Unlike TV programs of the past, which had fixed airtimes, today’s personal devices allow for binge-watching, leading to potential overstimulation.
How to manage screen time
To maximize the benefits of screen time:
- Supervise usage
- Set time limits
- Select high-quality, non-overstimulating content
- Discuss the content with your child afterward to reinforce learning
Create screen-free zones
Introduce screen-free zones or times, like during meals or before bed, to help your child adapt and engage in other activities. “Kids want structure and thrive when they know what to expect,” says Ringler. In her speech therapy space, she creates screen-free zones that encourage children to play with toys.
Encourage literacy
Dr. Johnson-Hooper suggests creating a literacy-rich environment at home. Read to your child, even if you think they aren’t fully attentive. Make books accessible and incorporate reading into daily routines. This practice helps transition from screen time to reading, which evolves as your child grows.
Build desired skills
Consider the skills you want your child to develop. For a nonverbal child, Dr. Johnson-Hooper suggests activities like reading, singing, and naming objects during walks to build communication skills rather than relying on screens.
This is a starting point
Learn what the American Academy of Pediatrics says about screen time for children and parents. If you want more ideas about how to move away from screens and toward engaging play, talk with your child’s primary care provider, ABA and speech therapy team.
