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 child's cognitive development.

This term resurfaced during the Covid-19 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 experts.

Restricted 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 surroundings.

This excessive screen exposure is hampering the development of social skills important to conduct oneself in society. Mid-day 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 time.

Dr 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 details.

What is virtual autism?

Pimpale: 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 child's 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 children's ability to focus.

Mehta: 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 autism-like features for children younger than 3 years without any underlying genetic or structural brain abnormality.

How is it different from autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Pimpale: 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 friendships.

Mehta: The Inclen Trust International study reported about 1 in 100 children in India, between the ages of 2-9 years, have autism. ASD is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls and is seen across all racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups. Children with ASD commonly have difficulties in using verbal and non-verbal 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 child's functioning may vary.

What are the common symptoms of autism?

Mehta: The earliest concerns raised by parents are:

Not responding to their name despite normal hearing
Difficulty maintaining eye contact
Limited sharing of interests
Delayed speech development and limited use of gestures to communicate
Repeating words or phrases more than using spontaneous language
Preferring to play on their own, specific or unusual play interests
Hypersensitivity to touch, smell, taste or textures of things

What are the common symptoms of virtual autism?

Mehta: 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 problem-solving may also be observed for these children along with sleep disturbances.

What causes virtual autism in children?

Pimpale: The resurfacing of virtual autism can be attributed to the increasing reliance on digital communication and interaction in today's 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 didn't have any source of entertainment and were addicted to social media leading to a surge in the cases of virtual autism in children.

How can virtual autism negatively impact children?

Pimpale: While technology has provided various opportunities for learning and socialisation, it has also brought about sensory overload and difficulties with non-verbal communication. The fast-paced, unpredictable nature of virtual interactions can be overwhelming, leading to increased anxiety and difficulty in processing information. Furthermore, the reliance on screen-based communication can hinder the development of important social skills such as eye contact and body language interpretation. Additionally, the absence of hands-on learning experiences can limit their ability to engage fully with educational content, potentially impacting their overall academic progress.

Prolonged 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 in-person interaction can hinder the development of essential life skills, such as non-verbal communication and empathy, which are vital for navigating relationships and societal expectations in adulthood.

The sedentary nature of virtual activities may contribute to physical health complications such as obesity and related health issues.

How 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 child's 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 long-term outcomes.

Mehta: Children's development can be stimulated by increasing face-to-face 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 them.

How must parents take care of children with virtual autism?

Chandok: Dealing with a child with virtual autism, or excessive screen time-related 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 use.

Pimpale: 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 high-quality 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 effectively.

How 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 child's development.

In 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. It's important to provide a supportive and inclusive environment to help these children thrive.