Most parents of an autistic child would have wondered how much screen time is or is not appropriate. Whilst we cannot put a hard figure on the answer we can weigh up some of the pros and cons.

The first thing to note is the amount of screen time that is considered healthy for an autistic child will vary depending on the child’s individual needs and abilities.

It is always important to keep in mind however that excessive screen time can have negative effects on children’s physical and mental health, regardless of their diagnosis.

Screen time guidelines for neuro-typical children

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends that children aged 2 to 5 years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day.

For children aged 6 years and older, the AAP advises parents to set limits on the amount of screen time and to encourage other activities such as physical activity, reading, and playing with others.

Screen time guidelines for autistic children

There have been no specific studies aimed at autistic children to come to a round figure like that mentioned above.

This is likely due to the fact that the needs of an autistic child can vary so significantly.

One factor which is worthy of note however is the additional strain that may be on autistic parents.

If an autistic child is either having a meltdown or is otherwise distressed then providing them with a tablet or phone is a legitimate and not to be underrated calming tactic.

Like everything however it should be used in moderation but this post is not to demonise parents who turn to devices to help them through what can be challenging days.

You as parents will have to assess the needs of your child and weigh up if you think the screen time is having a detrimental impact on their development.

If for example your child struggles socially and with eye contact then perhaps spending 6 hours a day on a tablet isn’t advisable.

Parents should weigh up the benefits against the detrimental effect and then make a plan accordingly.

Benefits

It is important to note that some children with autism may benefit from using technology as a tool for communication, learning and social interaction.

For example, some children with autism may use tablets or other devices to communicate using picture symbols or text-to-speech software.

It is also important to consider the quality of the content that the child is viewing.

Educational programs or apps can be beneficial for children with autism, as they may be able to learn new skills or concepts through interactive activities or games. However, it is important to monitor the child’s use of technology and to ensure that the content is appropriate for their age and abilities.

Tip

You can shape and direct the algorithms on YouTube by liking and subscribing to appropriate content.

Perhaps take some time to go though kids YouTube and pick some videos and creators which you think would be beneficial to your child.

From there make merry with the likes and let the algorithms do the rest.

Difficulties transitioning away

Some children with autism may have difficulty transitioning away from screen time, so it is important to set clear boundaries and establish a routine for screen time. Perhaps you could utilise a timer or some sort of countdown for when the device goes away.

It is also important to consider the timing of screen time, as excessive screen time before bedtime can negatively impact sleep.

Summary

The amount of screen time that is considered healthy for an autistic child can vary depending on the child’s individual needs and abilities.

The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day for neuro-typical children aged 2-5, and setting limits and encouraging other activities for children aged 6 and older.

However, some children with autism may benefit from using technology as a tool for communication and learning.

It’s important to consider the quality of the content, monitor the child’s use of technology, and set clear boundaries and routines around screen time, considering the timing of screen time, as well as the impact on sleep.

Feel free to browse our archive for more articles focused on helping parents of autistic children.