Excessive screen time and autism have a connection that is not genetic

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is not known to have a single cause. However, genetics is often listed as the first factor in its development. At the same time, neurologists around the globe have also been observing how symptoms similar to autism are increasingly seen among children between two and nine years old for a while. They attribute this to excessive screen time and not genetic factors. This condition is called virtual autism.

What is virtual autism?
Virtual autism is characterised by social withdrawal, speech delays and lack of focus in kids due to excessive screen time and low levels of interactions, rather than genetic reasons. According to the India Autism Centre, it is a non-clinical term, and it is quite common in young children and toddlers. 

Is it reversible?
In some cases, these behaviours could be reduced or reversed by eliminating screen time and increasing the child’s real-world interaction. This is the condition's primary difference from ASD, which is not curable. Doctors have been urging the authorities to consider this as an emergency and formulate national-level public awareness programs to tackle it. 

Virtual autism symptoms
a)Loss of concentration
b) Anger issues
c) Lack of social skills 
d) Emotional imbalance 

According to reports, 73 per cent of children under five years of age exceed the one–hour screen time limit recommended by the World Health Organisation. This excessive exposure to screens delays the child’s mental and physical development by at least 53 per cent. More than 11 per cent of school children across the country suffer from Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Meanwhile, there has been a three per cent increase in autism symptoms among 18 million children.