Correlation between screen exposureand children autism spectrum disorder

  Objective  To analyze the possible correlation between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and screen media exposure.

  Methods  Forty-eight children with ASD were randomly selected as ASD group, and 57 normal children were selected as control group, of two groups children were investigated by questionnaire; the differences of screen exposure factors such as age, average time and type of screen exposure between the two groups were analyzed.

  Results  Average daily exposure time of initial screen exposure, main age group of screen media exposure, accompanying status of family members and main screen media exposure were all influencing factors for ASD (OR=2.411, 3.344, 5.256, 2.788). The emotional changes of the two groups after screen media deprivation showed, significant difference (P=0.006).

  Conclusion  ASD may be related to screen media exposure. Children should avoid exposure to screen media before 2 years old, or control children's exposure to music or appropriate animation media for less than 1 hour a day under the interaction of family members after 2 years old.