Virtual autism: How screen addiction in toddlers can hamper their cognitive development

It is crucial to understand that virtual autism is not a diagnosis like Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD but a term with similar symptoms that resemble ASD Virtual autism is equally concerning as experts say it impairs the childrsquos cognitive developmentThis term resurfaced during the Covid19 pandemic Most of us have overheard or even been a part of conversations about pandemic babies not talking or having delayed speech Restricted social interaction is the key reason behind this as pointed out by expertsRestricted social interactions gave rise to dependence on digital devices This further gave rise to the concern of virtual autism Children today are seen fixating their eyes on the phone and tablet screen for hours completely oblivious to their surroundingsThis excessive screen exposure is hampering the development of social skills important to conduct oneself in society Midday Online sat down with health experts to understand how virtual autism can negatively affect the growth of a child and the importance of treating it in timeDr Dipesh Pimpale consultant pediatric neurologist Wockhardt Hospitals Dr Riddhi Mehta consultant developmental paediatrics Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre and Dr Rahul Chandhok head consultant mental health and behavioural science Artemis Hospital dive into detailsWhat is virtual autismPimpale The Covid 19 pandemic has led to a rise in cases of virtual autism where children display symptoms similar to autism Parents and teachers frequently notice the childrsquos unusual behaviour which can resemble those of the genuine neurodevelopmental disorder ASD Excessive exposure to media and electronic devices has been associated with difficulties in childrens ability to focusMehta It is important to note that virtual autism is not a medical diagnosis like ASD where the diagnosis is established using standardised tools Virtual autism is a relatively newer term coined in 2018 by a Romanian psychologist Marius Zamfir It is used to describe developmental delays in toddlers especially in the areas of communication and social interaction similar to those seen in autism An association has been observed between increased screentime and the presence of autismlike features for children younger than 3 years without any underlying genetic or structural brain abnormalityHow is it different from autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder ASDPimpale Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way children perceive and interact with people around them It leads to differences in social communication and interaction as well as restricted repetitive patterns of behaviour interests or activities People with ASD may struggle to understand or respond to social cues have limited eye contact or find it challenging to make and maintain friendshipsMehta The Inclen Trust International study reported about 1 in 100 children in India between the ages of 29 years have autism ASD is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls and is seen across all racial ethnic and socioeconomic groups Children with ASD commonly have difficulties in using verbal and nonverbal communication especially in social settings and with peers specific interests and with some repetitive patterns of behaviour Autism is part of the neurodiversity and the degree to which it impacts each childrsquos functioning may varyWhat are the common symptoms of autismMehta The earliest concerns raised by parents areNot responding to their name despite normal hearingDifficulty maintaining eye contactLimited sharing of interestsDelayed speech development and limited use of gestures to communicateRepeating words or phrases more than using spontaneous languagePreferring to play on their own specific or unusual play interestsHypersensitivity to touch smell taste or textures of thingsWhat are the common symptoms of virtual autismMehta Excessive screen time influences language and physical and emotional development When children are on devices it leads to less time available for play and interaction with caregivers and peers This contributes to delays in language development spoken and understood and social interaction Lack of attention hyperactivity and increased irritability may be seen along with limited play interests Poor cognition and problemsolving may also be observed for these children along with sleep disturbancesWhat causes virtual autism in childrenPimpale The resurfacing of virtual autism can be attributed to the increasing reliance on digital communication and interaction in todays society As technology continues to advance children are spending more time engaging in virtual platforms spending more time on social media or watching TV Now a large number of children use social media without any regulation and tend to spend a lot of hours Even during the pandemic children didnrsquot have any source of entertainment and were addicted to social media leading to a surge in the cases of virtual autism in childrenHow can virtual autism negatively impact childrenPimpale While technology has provided various opportunities for learning and socialisation it has also brought about sensory overload and difficulties with nonverbal communication The fastpaced unpredictable nature of virtual interactions can be overwhelming leading to increased anxiety and difficulty in processing information Furthermore the reliance on screenbased communication can hinder the development of important social skills such as eye contact and body language interpretation Additionally the absence of handson learning experiences can limit their ability to engage fully with educational content potentially impacting their overall academic progressProlonged exposure to virtual environments can exacerbate sensory issues and social communication challenges leading to heightened stress levels and potential mental health implications The lack of inperson interaction can hinder the development of essential life skills such as nonverbal communication and empathy which are vital for navigating relationships and societal expectations in adulthoodThe sedentary nature of virtual activities may contribute to physical health complications such as obesity and related health issuesHow can virtual autism be treated Chandhok Autism diagnosis commonly occurs in early childhood when parents or caregivers observe developmental disparities Formal diagnosis is typically conducted by healthcare professionals or developmental specialists assessing the childs behaviour communication and social interactions This early identification allows for the prompt initiation of essential intervention services Early interventions including behavioural therapies and educational support are crucial in addressing the challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder providing the child with tailored assistance during their formative years for improved longterm outcomesMehta Childrenrsquos development can be stimulated by increasing facetoface interactions with caregivers This involves reading stories playing together enjoying music art etc Creating more opportunities for outdoor play and physical activities is helpful Children should be encouraged to play with other children of their age and explore the world around themHow must parents take care of children with virtual autismChandok Dealing with a child with virtual autism or excessive screen timerelated challenges can be challenging for parents Special care involves establishing clear screen time limits creating a structured routine and encouraging alternative activities like outdoor play Parents often use parental controls and engage in open communication about responsible device usePimpale Children under the age of two to three should avoid exposure to blue light except for video chatting with family members When introducing media to your child opt for highquality programs and take the time to explain what they are seeing For children aged two to six limit screen time to one hour and watch programs with them to help them apply what they learn in real life Older children above seven years old should have restrictions on device usage that do not interfere with sleep or outdoor activities important for their health Establishing a manageable schedule for your child will simplify your life while also allowing you to monitor their screen time effectivelyHow must schools ensure good care of children with virtual autism Chandok School teachers play a crucial role in supporting children with virtual autism Individualised Education Programs IEPs are designed to meet the specific needs of each child Teachers implement strategies like visual aids sensory breaks and social skills training Regular communication between parents and teachers ensures a collaborative approach to the childs developmentIn conclusion supporting a child involves a multidimensional approach including understanding their unique needs managing screen time effectively early intervention and collaboration between parents and educators Its important to provide a supportive and inclusive environment to help these children thrive