Babies: connection between screen time and autism

In the case of children, who spent as a Baby, a lot of time in front of the TV or other screens, were observed at the age of two years of frequent symptoms, the disorders are autism-spectrum-typical. Just as it was in children whose parents had a little play with their babies.

Baby sitting at the age of twelve months in front of screens that showed the age of two, four percent more symptoms that are observed in autism spectrum disorders. In contrast, such symptoms in children who had played more with their parents appeared to be nine percent less often. The results support recommendations, which advise against children under the age of 18 months of screen time generally, unless it is used for personal Video communication.

No screen time für babies under the age of 18 months

"There are many studies that show the benefits of parent-child interaction for the later development of the child. Also a connection between long screen time and development delays are to be belegt", Dr. Karen F. Heffler said, a researcher at the College of Medicine of the University of Philadelphia. "Our study extended these findings by bringing early social and on-screen experiences with later autism-like symptoms."

The authors point out that in their study no correlation with the risk for an autism spectrum disorder has been made, but only with corresponding symptoms. They advise parents to refrain from television, Tablet and other screens in children under the age of 18 months and to limit the use of up to the age of five years at an hour a day.

ZOU