Do Kids With Autism Love TV?

Although an obsession with technology isn't part of the official diagnostic guidelines for determining autism spectrum disorders, it's so common that it's almost a stereotype -- think Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. A 2012 study at Washington University in St. Louis found that 60.3 percent of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) spend most of their time watching television and videos, compared with only 28 percent of typically developing children.

  1. Reasons

    • There are several reasons why kids on the spectrum may seek out television and technology. Most kids with autism have significant challenges interacting with other people. Television allows them to observe human behavior without having the pressure of responding. Many kids with autism also have intense reactions to sensory experiences. Noises, smells, touch and even the fluorescent lights in a room can cause irritation, according to Ellen Notbohm, co-author of "1001 Great Ideas for Teaching & Raising Children with Autism or Asperger's." Zoning out in front of a television may help mask this sensory discomfort. Children with autism often have delayed motor skills and may not enjoy playing outside. Finally, television programming may be especially enticing when it feeds a child's intense interests. For example, a child with autism who's obsessed with science will likely enjoy watching science documentaries.

    Drawbacks

    • Although television may seem calming to a child with autism, it often actually revs them up more because it stimulates the fight or flight portion of the brain, according to David Walsh, author of "Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids." Additionally, because children with autism are literal thinkers, they don't necessarily filter what they see on television the way other children do. They don't know that a cartoon character may say and do things on television that aren't appropriate to do in real life. Kids who become addicted to television, video games or computers miss out on important real life experiences and might not learn the social skills they need.

    Benefits

    • Television gets a bad rap, and it does have its drawbacks, but it can also be a powerful tool for the child with autism. Watching programs that feature families or friends interacting can help children with autism understand humor, sarcasm and body language. Try turning down the volume and watching a program with your child. Ask her to guess what the people are saying, doing and feeling, based on their expressions and body language. Since television is such a strong pull for most kids with autism, use it to your advantage. Include a certain amount of scheduled television time in the schedule to be rewarded after daily tasks are completed. You can also use television as a springboard for learning. Watching an interesting non-fiction program may fuel a desire to learn more about that subject.

    Recommendations

    • If you're a parent of a child with autism, you know how exhausting every day can be. The time that your child watches television might be the only respite you get, and when he's watching television, at least you know he's safe. Try to limit television to no more than 1 or 2 hours per day, and help your child pick appropriate shows. Don't beat yourself up, though, about your child's fascination with television. Turn off the television at least two hours before bedtime, especially if your child has trouble winding down or suffers from insomnia, according to Sally Ozonoff, co-author of "A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome & High-Functioning Autism."

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