The relationship between autism spectrum disorder and screen time in children: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects millions of children globally, significantly impacting their quality of life. Understanding factors that contribute to symptoms, is essential for improving outcomes. This review aims to explore the relationship between screen time and ASD and provide insights for targeted interventions. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for studies on the link between screen time and ASD symptoms. RESULTS: The findings suggest a possible link between excessive screen time and increased ASD symptoms, including social withdrawal and communication challenges. Some studies propose a bidirectional relationship, where children with this disorder may prefer more screen time due to social isolation. CONCLUSION: Although there is evidence suggesting a link between screen time and ASD, the relationship remains unclear; further research is needed to better understand these connections and develop effective interventions for children with this disorder.