Screen Time’s Link to Autism: A Symptom Rather than a Cause, Suggests New Research
A study conducted by Nagoya University indicates that children with a genetic inclination towards autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have increased screen time. Meanwhile, children with ADHD display a rise in screen time as they grow older. The study suggests that prolonged screen time may be a potential early sign of ASD rather than a contributing factor to its development.
The Graduate School of Medicine at Nagoya University in Japan has been examining the screen time habits of children diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. The term “screen time” is used to denote the amount of time an individual spends on electronic devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, and gaming consoles.
Their research showed that children with a genetic predisposition towards ASD tend to engage more with screens. Conversely, children diagnosed with ADHD exhibit an escalation in screen time as they mature, irrespective of their previous screen habits. These insights were recently featured in the Psychiatry Research journal.
A Rise in Screen Time Amongst Children
The time spent by individuals on digital device screens has been on the rise. This trend is especially pronounced among children with neurodevelopmental disorders, who typically engage with screens for extended durations.
In a collaborative effort, Nagoya University and Hamamatsu University researchers analyzed over 6.5 million polymorphisms in the DNA of 437 children to identify genetic vulnerabilities to ASD and ADHD. They developed a “polygenic risk score” by taking into account the quantity and magnitude of genetic variations linked to ASD/ADHD. This score was then compared with screen time data from a group of children aged 18, 32, and 40 months.
Key Observations and Their Implications
The researchers discovered that children with an elevated genetic risk for ASD engaged with screen devices for extended periods (either 3 hours or more than 4 hours daily) from a very young age. Additionally, children with a heightened genetic predisposition towards ADHD showed an increase in screen time as they aged.
Dr. Nagahide Takahashi of Nagoya University, the lead investigator, stated: “Our results indicate that those with an increased genetic risk for ASD were 1.5 times more likely to average three hours of screen time daily and 2.1 times more likely to exceed four hours of daily screen time.”
Dr. Takahashi also highlighted that although excessive screen time in early childhood has been theorized to be a potential cause for ASD/ADHD, this study implies that individuals might be genetically drawn to screens due to ASD. He emphasized that screen time could be an early indicator of ASD rather than a root cause. It’s crucial for medical professionals to understand that attributing extended screen time solely as a risk factor for ASD might be a misinterpretation.
Guidance and Words of Caution
Dr. Takahashi also warned of the dangers of prolonged exposure to screens for children with ADHD, highlighting the risk of gaming addiction. He advised parents and caregivers to be vigilant regarding screen time for children who are especially prone to ADHD.
Furthermore, Dr. Takahashi addressed the potential guilt and criticism parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders might face regarding screen time allowances. He advocated for supporting caregivers with alternative behavioral management strategies.
Reference: Takahashi, N., Tsuchiya, K. J., Okumura, A., Harada, T., Iwabuchi, T., Rahman, M. S., Kuwabara, H., Nomura, Y., & Nishimura, T. (2023). The association between screen time and genetic risks for neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Psychiatry Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115395.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Screen Time and Autism
What was the main purpose of the study conducted by Nagoya University?
The study aimed to investigate screen time habits among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD and to discern if prolonged screen time is an early sign of ASD or a contributing factor to its development.
What is the term “screen time” defined as?
“Screen time” refers to the amount of time an individual spends on electronic devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, and gaming consoles.
How did children with a genetic predisposition towards ASD differ in screen usage compared to those with ADHD?
Children with a genetic inclination towards autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have increased screen time. Meanwhile, children with ADHD exhibit a rise in screen time as they grow older.
What is a “polygenic risk score”?
A “polygenic risk score” is a metric developed by considering the quantity and magnitude of genetic variations linked to certain conditions, in this case, ASD/ADHD. It was used to compare genetic vulnerabilities to the amount of screen time among children.
What were the key findings regarding children with ASD and their screen time habits?
Children with an elevated genetic risk for ASD engaged with screen devices for extended periods, either 3 hours or more than 4 hours daily, from a very young age.
How does prolonged screen time in childhood relate to ASD/ADHD, based on the study’s results?
While excessive screen time in early childhood has previously been theorized to be a potential cause for ASD/ADHD, this study implies that individuals might be genetically drawn to screens due to ASD. Thus, screen time could be an early indicator of ASD rather than a root cause.
What advice did Dr. Nagahide Takahashi offer regarding screen time for children with ADHD?
Dr. Takahashi warned of the dangers of prolonged exposure to screens for children with ADHD, especially considering the risk of gaming addiction. He advised parents and caregivers to remain vigilant about screen time for children particularly prone to ADHD.
More about fokus keyword: Screen Time and Autism
- Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
- Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Insights on ADHD in Children
- Impact of Screen Time on Children’s Health
- Psychiatry Research Journal
- Introduction to Polygenic Risk Scores
- Digital Device Usage Among Children
7 comments
i always felt guilty about my nephew’s screen time. but after reading this, i think it’s not just about limiting screens but understanding why they’re attracted to it.
there’s just so much to unpack here. makes me question all the times I judged parents for letting their kids be on devices for long. Maybe it’s not always their fault.
Honestly, I’m a bit worried about how much my kids are on their screens. but if there’s a genetic factor to it… makes you wonder if we’re doing enough to help them.
This kind of research is super important. I mean, we all grew up without so many screens and now they’re everywhere. we need to understand its effects especially on kids with adhd and asd.
Wait, so are we saying kids with ADHD and ASD cant help but be glued to screens? or is it that screens just bring out symptoms? kinda confused.
Not surprising honestly. My cousin has ASD and he can sit infront of a computer all day if you let him. good to see there’s actual research on it now.
This is such important research. Always thought there was more to screen time and ASD than we knew, good on Nagoya University for diving deep into this.