Home / Health / AIIMS Study: Early Screens May Increase Autism Risk
AIIMS Study: Early Screens May Increase Autism Risk
1 May
Summary
- Infant screen exposure before 18 months linked to autism signs by age three.
- Children with autism showed earlier digital media addiction.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for better outcomes.
A study conducted by AIIMS Delhi suggests a significant link between early screen exposure in infants and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers found that children exposed to higher amounts of screen time before the age of one were more likely to exhibit signs of ASD by age three.
The AIIMS study involved 250 children aged three to six, with 150 diagnosed with autism. It indicated that children with ASD displayed earlier and more problematic digital media use, alongside decreased sleep and physical activity compared to their peers.
Dr. Sheffali Gulati, professor of paediatric neurology at AIIMS Delhi, emphasized that this research could inform the development of ASD-specific screen-time guidelines. She highlighted that while autism has genetic components, environmental triggers like early screen exposure also play a role.
International research supports these findings, with a large 2022 study in 'JAMA Paediatrics' noting a significant association between screen time at one year and ASD at three years. The WHO estimates autism prevalence globally at about 1 in 100 children, with a rising trend observed worldwide.
