It doesn’t get scarier than this. As parents grapple with the challenge of reducing their children’s screen time, it has become clear that children’s screen addiction can lead to autism. , that this condition can be reversed or avoided by limiting screen time. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder known to cause social, communication, and behavioral problems in children. It affects each individual differently. Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, when young children learn by observing others, exploring their surroundings, and playing freely. Therefore, it is important that parents at this stage spend more time with their babies for maximum development.
Less parent-child play time and more television for babies are associated with increased signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in childhood. Recent clinical case studies show that many young children who spend long periods of time in front of screens such as televisions, video game consoles, iPads, or computers may have symptoms associated with autism. Romanian clinical psychologist Dr. Marius Zanfir invented the term “virtual autism”.
How Screens Impair Children’s Cognitive and Social Abilities
“Too much time spent in virtual worlds deprives the growing brains of young children of vital stimulation. Stuttering may result from this. Similar to how neurotypical children are affected, these issues can impair a child’s ability to navigate social relationships,” said Ruranagar, Pune. says Dr. Vulshari Bhikar, a consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital in New York.
Today’s children have more constant access to electronic media than previous generations. Few studies have shown that increased screen time is associated with decreased melanopsin transmitter neurons and gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitters, leading to abnormal behavior, decreased mental and verbal development, and other problems. increase.
Experts warn parents about the dangers of young children using screens for more than four hours each day. The growing brain can suffer from frequent screen exposure at an early age.
“Even the light-dark cycle that supports the brain’s production of melatonin and dopamine and improves a child’s knowledge of their relationships with self and others can be disrupted by too much screen exposure,” the expert said. adds.
The Negative Effects of Too Much Screen Time
“When away from the world they spend most of their time immersed in, these factors can push young people away from screens. Their resulting aggression can further damage relationships and lower self-esteem,” says Dr. Vrushari.
interesting trends
“Evaluating virtual autism can be difficult, but it is important to go a little further. It is very important to determine whether it is caused by a spectrum disorder or virtual autism. It’s a trend that is both disconcerting and alarming,” experts say.
How can I avoid virtual autism?
It’s important to respect your child’s basic developmental needs. Children must learn to communicate, empathize and acquire important social skills. They are in face-to-face contact with friendly people and need constant sensory stimulation.
“Parents should continue to engage in high-five, high-talk interactions every day while they are awake. Screen time alone should not be used by toddlers and toddlers. should not exceed one hour each day.Children need to participate in additional activities that are essential for their growth and health.Young children should be exposed to screens for good health and good brain development You shouldn’t,” says Dr. Vulshari.
“Excessive screen time in children is not necessarily the result of inappropriate or careless parenting. It is autism as a result of excessive parental use of electronic screen media,” the expert added. increase.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is becoming more common, but some studies show that it is overdiagnosed. access to is increasing. Several studies have linked increased screen time to neurons expressing melanopsin and decreased levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to abnormal behavior and delayed cognitive and language development. , and cause other problems.
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