Doctors Warn Excessive Screen Time Risks Pseudo Autism in Children
Health experts warn that excessive screen time for young children can hinder development and cause pseudo-autism, a condition mimicking autism but triggered by environmental neglect. The article outlines symptoms such as social withdrawal, speech delays, and device dependency, and advises parents to set strict screen limits, encourage interactive play, and seek professional help if developmental issues arise.
Parents who let young children use phones and tablets for long periods risk harming their development and triggering pseudo-autism. Today we live in a digital era where phones and tablets have become a third appendage for humans. They are a popular tool parents give to young children to keep them calm and still while the adults are busy or occupied. But raising children with screens for too long can affect their development without parents noticing, and it also carries a risk of pseudo-autism.
What is screen addiction? It is behavior where children spend excessive time in front of phone, tablet, television, or computer screens, causing them to withdraw from social interaction and other daily activities typical for their age, affecting their social life and ability to learn from their surroundings.
How does pseudo-autism arise? It stems from a lack of appropriate development during childhood when parents allow excessive screen time, neglect interaction, and fail to provide love or engagement. The child receives communication through only one channel, lacking stimulation for social communication, resulting in delayed speech, social withdrawal, and self-isolation.
What are the symptoms of pseudo-autism? Pseudo-autism resembles true autism but differs in development and response patterns. Children cannot adapt to play with others due to limited shared interests, avoid eye contact, have communication and emotional expression difficulties, cannot express their needs and instead throw tantrums or cry without apparent reason, cannot speak meaningfully or speak late, and cannot stop using phones or tablets.
However, these symptoms often appear after a traumatic event or sudden environmental change, unlike true autism which typically shows signs from early childhood.
Prevention of phone addiction:
- Provide activities: Give children activities that promote development such as coloring, singing, swimming, board games, etc. - Create a good home environment: A positive environment fosters age-appropriate development. Parents should talk to children regularly, help with homework, and encourage confidence to express themselves. - Set screen-time rules: Define clear times when devices can be used, for example, no screens at least one hour before bedtime. - Monitor child development closely: Provide close care and observation. If any abnormalities are found, consult a doctor or child development specialist directly.
Do not let phones dominate young children during their developmental years, because laying a strong foundation from childhood is a worthwhile investment in their future. Adjusting behavior now will promote quality growth and complete learning skills.
Source: Synphaet / Navamin9. Compiled by Khaosod Online news team.
