. New Delhi: Children with higher screen exposure at around one year of age are more likely to develop autism or autism-like traits by the age of three, experts have warned, underlining growing concern over early and prolonged screen use.“There has been considerable research on screen time and autism. Studies show that children who had higher screen exposure at around one year of age were more likely to have autism by the age of three, particularly among boys, though similar trends are seen in girls in terms of symptoms,” said Prof Sheffali Gulati, Faculty In-Charge, Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS.She added that multiple studies, including meta-analyses, have found that the earlier screen exposure begins and the longer its duration, the stronger its association with autism.“We also conducted a study comparing children with autism and other children and found that those with autism had been introduced to screens earlier and had longer durations of use. Their screen dependency scores were also higher,” she said.Experts cautioned that this is an association and not a direct cause, as autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication and behaviour, and can often be identified as early as 12–18 months, making early identification and intervention critical.Prof Gulati emphasised the need to strictly limit screen exposure. “Children below 18 months should not be exposed to screens at all. Between 18 months and 6 years, screen time should be minimal—ideally limited to about one hour a day and only with supervision. For older children, it should not exceed two hours,” she said, citing guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Government of India.She stressed that direct interaction with children is essential for development. “Communication, play and human engagement are critical for brain development, especially in the early years,” she said.She also highlighted the need to distinguish between passive and active use of technology. Passive screen exposure should be avoided, while interactive tools that engage the child’s thinking may be used cautiously and under supervision.Experts also noted that many children with autism have associated conditions such as attention deficits, behavioural issues and sleep disturbances, which can worsen outcomes and increase caregiving burden.With screen use rising sharply among young children, doctors said awareness among parents is crucial to ensure balanced development and reduce potential risks linked to excessive digital exposure.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesBeetroot juice isn’t for everyone: Hidden side effects and why you should avoid it10 elegant baby names inspired by gemstonesBengal to Bombay: 5 cats that could almost pass off as mini tigers, leopards and panthersMorning affirmation at 5am: Simple habits that feel less like routine, more like reflectionHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap
New Delhi: Children with higher screen exposure at around one year of age are more likely to develop autism or autism-like traits by the age of three, experts have warned, underlining growing concern over early and prolonged screen use.“There has been considerable research on screen time and autism. Studies show that children who had higher screen exposure at around one year of age were more likely to have autism by the age of three, particularly among boys, though similar trends are seen in girls in terms of symptoms,” said Prof Sheffali Gulati, Faculty In-Charge, Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS.She added that multiple studies, including meta-analyses, have found that the earlier screen exposure begins and the longer its duration, the stronger its association with autism.“We also conducted a study comparing children with autism and other children and found that those with autism had been introduced to screens earlier and had longer durations of use. Their screen dependency scores were also higher,” she said.Experts cautioned that this is an association and not a direct cause, as autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication and behaviour, and can often be identified as early as 12–18 months, making early identification and intervention critical.Prof Gulati emphasised the need to strictly limit screen exposure. “Children below 18 months should not be exposed to screens at all. Between 18 months and 6 years, screen time should be minimal—ideally limited to about one hour a day and only with supervision. For older children, it should not exceed two hours,” she said, citing guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Government of India.She stressed that direct interaction with children is essential for development. “Communication, play and human engagement are critical for brain development, especially in the early years,” she said.She also highlighted the need to distinguish between passive and active use of technology. Passive screen exposure should be avoided, while interactive tools that engage the child’s thinking may be used cautiously and under supervision.Experts also noted that many children with autism have associated conditions such as attention deficits, behavioural issues and sleep disturbances, which can worsen outcomes and increase caregiving burden.With screen use rising sharply among young children, doctors said awareness among parents is crucial to ensure balanced development and reduce potential risks linked to excessive digital exposure.
