Vulnerabilities Prompting Use of Technology and Screen by Mothers of Autistic Children in India: Lived Experiences and Comparison to Scientific Literature.

This study looked at why mothers in India used screens and technology with their children before getting an autism diagnosis. Researchers interviewed 16 mothers and reviewed existing research. They found mothers used screens to help calm their children, support learning, or simply cope when feeling overwhelmed. Most mothers felt lost and unsure about screen time decisions. The research suggests parents need better guidance and support around technology use for autistic children.

This mixed-methods study combined interviews with 16 mothers of autistic children in Southern India and a scoping review of 24 articles to explore why mothers use screen technology before their child's autism diagnosis. The research found that mothers used screens primarily out of helplessness rather than informed choice, serving as support tools, language development aids, or calming techniques. The literature review indicated positive effects of co-viewing on speech (not language) development. Mothers expressed feeling vulnerable and lost without guidance regarding appropriate screen time use, highlighting a significant support gap for families navigating technology use with their autistic children.

Findings suggest need for structured guidance protocols for families regarding screen time use. Clinicians should address parental vulnerabilities and provide evidence-based recommendations. Co-viewing strategies may be beneficial for speech development. Support services should include technology use guidance as part of comprehensive family support.

Small sample size (16 mothers) from single geographic region limits generalizability. Mixed-methods design combining interviews with literature review may create methodological inconsistencies. No control group or objective measures of outcomes reported.

Technology and screen media has its place in every home, yet the influences of the same are less known. This research aims to explore the vulnerabilities that prompt the mothers to use screen media for their children, prior to a diagnosis of autism for their child. It also aims to explore literature the influence of screen media on speech and language development in children. This study combined semi-structured interviews with 16 mothers of autistic children in Southern India and a scoping literature review that resulted in 24 articles.

The literature refers to a positive influence when co-viewing with the child, and it predominantly highlights improvements in speech and not in language. The interviews revealed that screens were used as a means of support, a language and learning development tool, or as a calming technique. Thus, the study shows that the mothers resorted to screen use for their children more out of helplessness, and not as an informed choice. Mothers of autistic children clearly express their vulnerabilities and indicate feelings of being lost without advice, with regard to use of screen-time.

This suggests a need for more research into how they can be supported.