Welcome to podcast by Dr Dad, the podcast where we delve deep into the intersection of technology, child development, and mental health. I'm your host,Dr Gaurav Nigam, MD, and in today's episode, we embark on a journey to understand the profound effects of excessive screen time on children, particularly in relation to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the emergence of what some experts term as "virtual autism."

In an age where screens dominate our daily lives, from smartphones and tablets to computers and gaming consoles, children are growing up in a digital landscape unlike any previous generation. While technology undoubtedly offers myriad benefits, it also poses significant risks, especially when it comes to the delicate process of child development.

Excessive screen time refers to prolonged and unrestricted use of electronic devices, often to the detriment of other activities essential for healthy growth and learning. With the rise of virtual classrooms, online gaming, and social media, children are spending more time than ever in front of screens, blurring the lines between virtual and real-world experiences.

But what happens when screen time surpasses healthy limits? How does it impact the developing minds of children, particularly those on the autism spectrum? These are the questions at the heart of our discussion today.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. While the exact causes of autism remain elusive, research suggests a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.

In recent years, experts have observed a concerning trend: the convergence of excessive screen time and symptoms resembling those of autism. This phenomenon, often referred to as "virtual autism."

One of the hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder is difficulty in navigating social interactions and understanding nonverbal cues. Children with autism may struggle to engage in reciprocal conversations, maintain eye contact, or interpret facial expressions—all essential skills for building meaningful relationships.

Furthermore, prolonged exposure to screens may disrupt the development of neural circuits responsible for processing social and emotional information, further complicating the social deficits associated with autism. Studies have shown that excessive screen time in early childhood is linked to delays in language acquisition, attentional difficulties, and reduced empathy—a trifecta of challenges for children already grappling with the symptoms of autism.

But the impact of excessive screen time extends beyond social interaction and communication. Research suggests that prolonged screen exposure can alter brain structure and function, particularly in regions involved in attention, memory, and executive functioning.

References: Cristiana BĂLAN, Virtual Autism and Its Effects On the Child’s Evolution https://www.afahc.ro/ro/afases/2018/43-CristinaBalan.pdfHermawati, D., Rahmadi, F. A., Sumekar, T. A., & Winarni, T. I. (2018). Early electronic screen exposure and autistic-like symptoms. Intractable & rare diseases research, 7(1), 69–71. https://doi.org/10.5582/irdr.2018.010071.Bedrosian, T. A., & Nelson, R. J. (2017). Timing of light exposure affects mood and brain circuits. Translational psychiatry, 7(1), e1017.

Autism Parenting Magazine is a very good source for reading further. A lot of this podcast has been taken from that website.

https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2016.2622.Chonchaiya, W., & Pruksananonda, C. (2008). Television viewing associates with delayed language development. Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992), 97(7), 977–982. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00831.xMiller, V., & Gomez-Nicola, D. (2014). How can we exploit the brain’s ability to repair itself?. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 14(12), 1345–1348. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.2014.985659,