| Abstract [eng] |
The use of screen-based media (SBM), such as television, mobile phones, or tablets, is an integral part of both adults‘ and children‘s lives. Although there is no evidence that SBM use directly causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD), some research suggests that excessive screen time may negatively impact children‘s social, cognitive and emotional regulation skills, factors that can be important in the diagnosis of ASD. This study aims to examine how SBM use in 2-5 year old children is associated with the risk of ASD. The study uses 994 children‘s data collected during the first phase of the ongoing study "Electronic Media Use and Young Children‘s Health“, in which parents completed the Child's Use of IT Devices, Development and Social Environment Questionnaire and the The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). The results showed that children in the ASD risk group spent more time on SBM during working days and experienced greater difficulties related to problematic SBM use. Problematic SBM use was the strongest predictor of increased likelihood of being in the ASD risk group and multiple developmentaldifficulties, both directly and through the mediator – screen time. Furthermore, a bidirectional relationship was found between problematic SBM use and ASD risk: not only does problematic SBM use predict the risk of ASD, but the risk of ASD also predicts problematic SBM use. |
