For many children with autism, screens offer a world of engagement, predictability, and comfort. Digital devices can provide educational opportunities, social connections, and soothing sensory experiences. However, managing screen time often becomes a significant challenge for families, who must balance the benefits with concerns about excessive use.
Understanding the Unique Relationship
Children with autism often develop a special relationship with screens for several compelling reasons:
Predictability and control: Digital content follows predictable patterns and rules, providing a welcome contrast to the often unpredictable social world.
Visual learning strengths: Many children with autism process visual information particularly well, making screen-based learning engaging and effective.
Sensory appeal: The lights, sounds, and movement on screens can be soothing or stimulating in ways that match sensory preferences.
Social practice without pressure: Games and videos allow children to observe social interactions without the demands of real-time participation.
Special interest engagement: Screens provide access to content related to special interests, often in greater depth than available elsewhere.
Given these benefits, it’s not surprising that many parents report that their autistic children are drawn to screens more intensely than their peers. This connection isn’t inherently problematic, but it does require thoughtful management.
Moving Beyond “Good” vs. “Bad” Screen Time
Rather than viewing screen time as entirely beneficial or harmful, consider these more nuanced factors:
Quality of Content
Not all screen time is created equal. Consider:
- Is the content educational or skill-building?
- Does it align with your child’s developmental needs?
- Is it interactive rather than passive?
- Does it reflect your family’s values?
Context of Use
How and when screens are used matters significantly:
- Is screen time a default activity or a purposeful choice?
- Does it facilitate family connection or replace it?
- Is it balanced with other activities?
- Does it support or hinder daily routines?
Individual Impact
Perhaps most importantly, observe how screens affect your specific child:
- Does your child remain regulated during and after screen time?
- Can they transition away from screens without significant distress?
- How does screen use affect sleep, activity levels, and mood?
- Does it support or hinder development of other skills?
Creating a Balanced Approach
These strategies can help establish healthy screen habits while honoring your child’s connection to technology:
Develop Clear Guidelines
Create consistent rules that your child can understand and predict:
- Designate screen-free times and zones (such as during meals or in bedrooms)
- Establish daily time limits that reflect age and needs
- Define which apps, games, or content are permissible
- Create visual schedules showing when screen time occurs during the day
Present these guidelines positively rather than punitively: “We use screens after homework is complete” rather than “No screens until homework is done.”
Use Visual Supports
Make abstract concepts like time concrete with visual tools:
- Visual timers that show remaining screen time
- Token systems where activities earn screen time
- Visual schedules showing the sequence of daily activities
- Choice boards offering screen and non-screen options
Plan for Transitions
For many children with autism, ending screen time is the most challenging aspect of management. Set up your child for success:
- Provide multiple warnings before screen time ends (10 minutes, 5 minutes, 1 minute)
- Use visual or auditory timers to make time remaining concrete
- Create routine language for transitions: “Screen time is finished. Next is…”
- Have an engaging transition activity immediately available
- Consider natural stopping points in games or videos
Balance With Other Activities
Actively develop alternatives that provide similar benefits:
- If your child enjoys the visual stimulation of certain games, try light toys or art activities
- If predictability is appealing, create highly structured non-screen activities
- If screens provide sensory regulation, develop a sensory diet with similar inputs
- For information-seeking, explore special interests through books and hands-on experiences
Leverage Special Interests
Rather than viewing special interests as problematic fixations, use them strategically:
- Find apps or programs that teach new skills through special interest themes
- Use special interest screen content as motivation for other activities
- Create “interest bridges” that connect screen-based interests to offline activities
- Join your child in their screen-based interests to build connection
Model Healthy Technology Use
Children learn screen habits by watching adults:
- Demonstrate balanced technology use yourself
- Narrate your technology decisions: “I’m putting my phone away during dinner so we can talk together”
- Show how you use technology purposefully rather than habitually
- Create family tech-free times that everyone participates in
Managing Common Challenges
These specific strategies address frequent screen-related difficulties:
When Screens Cause Dysregulation
If you notice that certain content or excessive screen time leads to behavioral challenges:
- Keep a simple log to identify patterns between specific content and behavior
- Set shorter sessions with more frequent breaks
- Introduce calming activities immediately following screen time
- Consider screen content with slower pacing and less stimulation
- Use screens as part of the routine rather than during already challenging times
When Screens Become All-Consuming
If screen interest begins to interfere with other necessary activities:
- Gradually reshape routines rather than making abrupt changes
- Use preferred screen content as motivation within a token economy
- Create “screen sandwiches” where preferred non-screen activities happen between screen sessions
- Ensure other activities offer some of the same appealing elements as screens
- Consider whether screens are meeting needs that could be addressed differently
When Sleep Is Affected
Screen use often impacts sleep quality, which is already challenging for many children with autism:
- Establish a clear screen curfew at least one hour before bedtime
- Use blue light filters on devices, especially in the evening
- Create a consistent device charging station outside the bedroom
- Develop screen-free bedtime routines with other calming activities
- Consider whether bedtime screen use is addressing anxiety that needs different support
Selecting Quality Content
With thousands of apps, games, and programs available, finding appropriate content can be overwhelming. Consider these qualities:
- Appropriate developmental level (which may differ from age level)
- Clear structure and navigation
- Adjustable settings for sound, speed, and difficulty
- Minimal advertisements or in-app purchases
- Educational value that transfers to real-world skills
- Positive messages about neurodiversity and inclusion
Managing Screen Time
Managing screen time for children with autism requires individualized approaches that respect both the benefits technology can provide and the importance of diverse experiences. Rather than implementing rigid rules, focus on creating balance that works for your unique child and family circumstances.
With thoughtful guidance, screens can be valuable tools that support learning, provide regulation, and offer enjoyment while remaining in appropriate balance with other important life experiences.
For personalized support in developing screen management strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs, contact Norfolk Autism Center at (757) 777-3229. Our team can help you navigate this complex aspect of modern parenting with strategies designed for your child’s unique profile.
