Can Screen Time Cause Autism? What Science Really Says

Parents often ask, can screen time cause autism? The answer is clear: current research shows that screen time does not cause autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with strong genetic roots, not something triggered by watching screens.



Can Screen Time Cause Autism? Key Facts

• No Causal Link: Multiple studies confirm there is no evidence that screen time causes autism in children. Genetics and biology are the main factors behind autism.
  
  
• Screen Time and Autism-Like Symptoms: Some research shows that excessive screen time can lead to delays in social or language development and may mimic autism-like symptoms, but these are not the same as an autism diagnosis. Children with more screen time may show less eye contact or communication, but this does not mean they have autism.
  
  
• Why the Confusion? Children already at risk for autism may be drawn to screens, or parents may use screens to help calm them. This can make it look like screen time is a cause, but studies show it’s usually the other way around.
  
  
• Expert Guidelines: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for young children and focusing on real-world play and interaction for healthy development.

At Divine Steps ABA, families sometimes worry about screen habits. We share that while too much screen time can delay speech or social skills, it cannot cause autism. One large genetic study found children with a higher risk for autism were simply more likely to use screens early on.

Ready for Real Answers?

Still have questions about can screen time cause autism? Let Divine Steps ABA help you sort fact from fiction—call us to talk with our specialists and get personalized support.

Sources:

1. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/qa-portal/qa-portal-library/qa-portal-library-questions/early-childhood-screen-time-brain-development-and-autism/
2. https://neurosciencenews.com/adhd-asd-screentime-genetics-25109/
3. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/screen-time-kids-with-asd/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10442849/
5. https://journals.lww.com/mjdy/fulltext/2022/15040/amount_of_screen_time_and_occurrence_of.20.aspx
6. https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-a-study-on-the-association-of-screen-time-before-2-years-of-age-and-risk-of-autism-at-12-years-of-age/
7. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2788488
8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/could-screen-time-have-an-association-with-autism-spectrum-disorder/articleshow/108969168.cms
9. https://nortonchildrens.com/news/autism-and-screen-time/
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10709772/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38064216/
12. https://www.artemishospitals.com/blog/news/can-addiction-to-tv-and-mobile-cause-autism-in-kids-expert-explains-link-and-healthy-screen-habits