In recent years, there has been a surge in autism diagnoses across the world. Though this could be attributed to better awareness and improved diagnostic methods, experts believe environmental factors, particularly the pervasive use of technology, might be playing a significant role. Children today are growing up in a digital world where smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices dominate their daily lives.
One of the most significant concerns is the excessive use of screens, especially during crucial developmental stages. Children who spend long hours in front of digital devices are more likely to experience delays in language development, social skills, and communication. These areas are critical for children with autism, and the overuse of technology may aggravate these challenges. When children engage with screens instead of interacting with others, they miss out on vital social cues, such as facial expressions and body language, essential for building relationships and understanding emotions.
In India, where screen time has surged dramatically in recent years, especially during the pandemic, concerns over its impact on children’s mental health are more pressing. While digital platforms have become crucial for education, excessive screen time can isolate children from the real world, further hindering their social growth. For children with autism, this isolation can be even more detrimental, as they are already prone to difficulties in socializing.
While there are certainly benefits to using technology for educational purposes and therapies, such as speech apps or virtual social skills training, the rise of “screen dependency” raises important questions. How can we strike a balance? Can technology be leveraged responsibly to support neurodiverse individuals, or is it contributing to an environment that inadvertently fosters autism-like symptoms in vulnerable children?
On this World Disability Day, it’s important to raise awareness about the potential risks of excessive screen time and advocate for healthier, more balanced approaches to technology use in children’s daily lives.
