Toddler Screen Time: Longitudinal Associations with Autism and ADHD Symptoms and Developmental Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Screen time is increasingly prevalent in early childhood.
• Previous research suggests associations between screen time and developmental outcomes.
• The impact of early screen exposure on neurodevelopmental trajectories requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine screen time differences at 18 months in relation to autism and ADHD outcomes at 3-5 years.
• To investigate prospective associations between toddler screen time and preschool symptoms of autism and ADHD.
• To assess the relationship between early screen time and developmental achievement in preschoolers.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study design with a genetically-enriched sample (n=82) at high and low familial risk for autism and ADHD.
• Screen time assessed at 18 months of age.
• Clinical outcomes (Autism, ADHD Concerns, Comparison) determined at 3-5 years.

Main Results:

• Children with Autism and ADHD Concerns outcomes showed significantly higher screen exposure at 18 months compared to controls.
• Greater screen time at 18 months was prospectively associated with increased autism and ADHD symptoms in preschool.
• Higher early screen time correlated with lower developmental achievement in preschool-aged children.

Conclusions:

• Preschoolers diagnosed with autism or exhibiting ADHD concerns had greater screen exposure in toddlerhood.
• Early screen time is associated with adverse developmental outcomes, including increased autism and ADHD symptoms and lower achievement.
• Earlier screen exposure may negatively impact neurodevelopmental trajectories in young children.