New Study Finds Screen Time in First 2 Years of Life Linked to 80 Percent Higher Autism Risk

Research reveals a complex relationship between screen time, social factors, and autism spectrum disorder diagnoses in Australian children.

By George Citroner

December 6, 2024

Autism rates in the United States are climbing, as are rates of those addicted to smartphones, gaming, and online content.

Now, there’s evidence that early exposure to one is significantly linked to the other.

A large study in children has found that those who spent over 14 hours a week watching screens before age 2 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at higher rates by age 12, indicating the need for further research into early childhood development patterns.

80 Percent Increased Risk of Autism by Age 12

The findings, published November 4, in JAMA Pediatrics, come from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, which tracked the development of 5,107 children.

Researchers analyzed television, video, and internet use at age 2, comparing it with subsequent ASD diagnoses between ages 6 and 12.

Children who exceeded 14 hours of weekly screen time before age 2 showed an 80 percent higher likelihood of receiving an ASD diagnosis by age 12 compared to those with less exposure.

However, researchers identified several contributing factors beyond screen time alone, including the child’s sex and parental education level.

Maternal education and family income were associated with screen time instead of ASD risk, the researchers wrote, suggesting that these social factors may play a role in children’s development.

In total, 145 children in the study were reported to have an ASD diagnosis by the time they reached age 12. The study confirmed existing sex patterns, with boys showing four times higher diagnosis rates than girls.

While the research does not prove that too much screen time directly causes autism, it does highlight a potential concern for parents and caregivers.

“Clinicians could inquire about screen time during early childhood as part of a broader assessment of child development,” the study authors wrote.

With these findings, experts are urging parents to be mindful of their young children’s screen time, especially given the rising popularity of digital media.

The researchers also pointed out that reducing screen time for young children could help with healthier development.

Early Exposure to Screens and Autism Risk

The new research raises important questions about how much screen time is appropriate for young children.

“Overuse can affect young people’s social skills and interactions, with some finding difficulty making friends in real life or cultivating false friendships online,” Sabrina Butler, assistant teaching professor of counseling and counselor education at the Syracuse University School of Education and who is not associated with the study, said in a press statement.

Previous research provides context for these findings.

Another JAMA Pediatrics study linked early screen exposure to later sensory processing challenges. “These findings suggest that digital media exposure might be a potential risk factor for the development of atypical sensory profiles,” the study authors wrote.

Sensory processing differences—including sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, balance, and body awareness—commonly occur with ASD.

Additional research has documented how screen exposure can affect brain chemistry, including changes in key neurotransmitters such as melatonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Melatonin deficiency, where the body produces insufficient melatonin, a hormone primarily responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, is frequently observed in people with ASD.

Though there is currently no evidence that screen time causes autism, the researchers recommend including discussions about screen time in early childhood development assessments.