As a parent of a child with autism, you want your child to be calm and happy. When they have an electronic device in hand, they often are.
But, as research continues to show the negative effects of too much screen time for kids, many parents worry about how devices impact their child’s development. Even the idea of limiting screen time might feel overwhelming.
Why too much screen time is harmful for kids with autism
The research is clear, says Jennifer Thomas, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Healing Haven in metro Detroit. High amounts of screen time can:
- Reduce opportunities for social interactions and physical activity
- Increase risks of obesity, depression, and anxiety
- Negatively affect language development and focus
- Lead to challenging behaviors when the device is not available
Is your child addicted to screen time?
Parents who have experienced their child negotiating for “just 10 more minutes” know how addictive screens can be.
“Use of devices can activate the reward pathways in the brain and that’s why you see addictive behavior when the device is removed,” Dr. Thomas explains. “There can be an increase in problem behavior, and that can be challenging and stressful for both the parent and child. If the parent doesn’t recognize the addiction, they may just give the device back to their child because they know that it will make them calmer.”
How screen time affects development
“If your child is on the autism spectrum, they may already have difficulty with their attention, language and social skills. Screen use is a barrier to practicing these skills, especially when they are looking at a screen and not making eye contact with a person or using the communication skills they are trying to learn,” says Dr. Thomas.
Reducing screen time can help your child:
- Spend more time engaging socially and playing actively.
- Practice communication and social skills more effectively.
- Stay present during ABA therapy, making learning opportunities more productive.
“Addiction to screen time can lead to the child only thinking about what’s next and when they will access their device again. That makes it difficult to make their learning opportunities fruitful,” Dr. Thomas adds.
A play-based plan to reduce screen time
Children love to play, so hour by hour, replace screen time with non-digital play. “Play builds language, social and motor skills while strengthening attention and cognitive abilities. It’s the polar opposite of screen time,” says Dr. Thomas.
5 practical steps to get started
- Take stock and set goals:
Track your child’s daily screen use.
Gradually reduce it — cut back by one hour per week until their access is at a more appropriate level. - Help them transition:
Introduce simple activities like fort building, leaf raking or backyard adventures.
Join in at first to show them how it’s done. - Model good habits:
Put down your own devices and engage in activities like reading, cooking or taking walks together.
Show that screen-free time can be fun and rewarding. - Stock up on play ideas:
Independent play tools: dollhouses, doctor kits, Legos and puzzles
Active games: tag, ring-around-the-rosy or hot potato
Cooperative fun: board games like Candyland or bingo, and dance parties with music - Make play easy and spontaneous:
Write activity ideas on slips of paper and keep them in a jar. Let your child pick one when you’re short on creative energy.
What’s the payoff?
“Who has more energy than children? Capitalize on this by getting them up and moving and away from screens, which will not only help with their language, cognition and social skills but also help with their mood and sleep,” says Dr. Thomas.
“You can give your children a feel-good effect similar to the one they get with their screen, but in a way that is better for their brain and body.”
Expertise provided by Healing Haven, an ABA therapy center with locations in Madison Heights and Farmington Hills. Learn more about Healing Haven’s unique ABA therapy programs for children and teens, ages 2-young adult. Visit thehealinghaven.net.
