Now, there’s evidence that early exposure to one is significantly linked to the other. Children who exceeded 14 hours of weekly screen time before age 2 showed an 80 percent higher likelihood of receiving an ASD diagnosis by age 12 compared to those with less exposure. However, researchers identified several contributing factors beyond screen time alone, including the child’s sex and parental education level.
Maternal education and family income were associated with screen time instead of ASD risk, the researchers wrote, suggesting that these social factors may play a role in children’s development. In total, 145 children in the study were reported to have an ASD diagnosis by the time they reached age 12. The study confirmed existing sex patterns, with boys showing four times higher diagnosis rates than girls.
While the research does not prove that too much screen time directly causes autism, it does highlight a potential concern for parents and caregivers. “Clinicians could inquire about screen time during early childhood as part of a broader assessment of child development,” the study authors wrote. With these findings, experts are urging parents to be mindful of their young children’s screen time, especially given the rising popularity of digital media.
Sensory processing differences—including sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, balance, and body awareness—commonly occur with ASD. Though there is currently no evidence that screen time caus.