Media use among children with ASD: Perspectives and concerns of parents.

Researchers surveyed parents of autistic and non-autistic children about screen time concerns. Parents of autistic kids worried more about health and behavior effects from screens, but not about making autism worse. Many parents let their autistic children use devices to help them calm down and cope. The main worry factors were trouble setting limits and kids seeming 'addicted' to screens.

This cross-sectional study surveyed 117 parents of autistic children and 58 parents of typically developing children about their perspectives on children's digital media use. Parents of autistic children expressed significantly greater concerns about media's potential negative effects on health and behavior compared to parents of typically developing children. However, these concerns did not extend to worries about child development or worsening of autism symptoms. Key factors predicting parental concern included difficulties limiting media use, perceptions of media preference/addiction, and children's coping abilities without media.

Notably, many parents of autistic children reported allowing digital media as a self-regulation tool for their children, suggesting potential benefits alongside concerns.

Clinicians should acknowledge parents' heightened media concerns while recognizing potential self-regulation benefits. Focus should be on balanced guidance rather than restrictive approaches. Future interventions might explore structured digital media use as part of coping strategy development for autistic children.

Study design not specified in abstract. Sample size discrepancy between groups (117 vs 58). Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences. Self-report survey data may be subject to bias. Limited information about children's ages or autism severity levels provided.

Digital media is a significant part of daily life for both adults and children, raising concerns among parents about its impact on child development, particularly for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explores the differing perspectives and concerns of parents with and without ASD regarding their children's media use. A total of 117 parents of children with ASD and 58 parents of typically developing (TD) children participated in an online survey. The study employed group comparisons, correlations, and hierarchical regressions.

Results show that parents of children with ASD expressed greater concern about media use compared to TD parents, especially regarding potential negative effects on health and behavior. However, these concerns did not extend to child development or intensification of ASD symptoms. Key predictors of parental concern included challenges in limiting media use, perceptions of media preference and addiction, and children's ability to cope without media. While parents of children with ASD have notable concerns about media use, these are not excessively pronounced compared to TD parents.

Many report allowing digital media as a means for self-regulation in their children. Future research should also examine positive aspects of digital media usage as potential influencing factors.