Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction skills.

It includes a broad range of conditions, such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States have been diagnosed with ASD.

While the cause of ASD is unknown, research has identified several risk factors, including genetics, prenatal and perinatal factors, and environmental factors. One of the environmental factors that have been linked to ASD is excessive television viewing.

Television Viewing and its Effects on Development

The average American child between the ages of 2 and 18 spends more than four hours a day watching television, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This extensive television viewing has been linked to a variety of negative outcomes, including obesity, poor social skills, and academic problems.

Early childhood is a critical period of development, and research has shown that excessive television viewing during this time can impact cognitive development, attention, and language skills.

Furthermore, the content children are exposed to on television can have a significant impact on their emotional and social development. For example, violent or aggressive programming may increase aggressive behavior in children, while exposure to positive role models can enhance prosocial behavior.

Given these negative outcomes associated with excessive television viewing, it is reasonable to assume that it may also be a risk factor for ASD.

The Link Between TV Viewing and ASD

A growing amount of research has explored the potential link between television viewing and ASD.

One study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who watched more than two hours of television a day at the age of 2 were more likely to develop ASD by the age of 7. The study also found that children who watched more television at 2 years old were more likely to have language delays and difficulty with social interaction.

Another study published in the journal Nature found that exposing mice to chronic social stress while watching television led to changes in the brain that were similar to those seen in patients with ASD.

The study authors suggest that the combination of social stress and television viewing may increase the risk of ASD development.

While research in this area is still ongoing, these findings suggest that excessive television viewing may be a risk factor for ASD.

The Role of Content in Television Viewing and ASD

While excessive television viewing has been linked to increased risk of ASD, the content of the programming children are exposed to may also play a role.

For example, a study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics found that children who watched more educational television programs had better vocabulary and math skills, while those who watched more violent or non-educational programming had poorer skills and increased aggression.

Additionally, some researchers have suggested that certain types of programming may be particularly detrimental to children with ASD.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with ASD showed less emotion recognition and identification when exposed to televised violence.

The type of programming children are exposed to may also impact social development.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who watched more fast-paced programming had more difficulty making friends than those who watched slower-paced programs.

Recommendations

While research in this area is still developing, the evidence suggests that reducing television viewing among young children may be a prudent step in reducing the risk of ASD development.

The AAP recommends that children over the age of 2 should watch no more than 1-2 hours of high-quality programming per day, and that children under age 2 should not be exposed to any television or electronic media.

Additionally, parents should monitor the content their children are exposed to and make an effort to select appropriate programming that is educational and age-appropriate.

Conclusion

While the causes of ASD remain unknown, research suggests that environmental factors, such as excessive television viewing, may play a role.

While the evidence in this area is still developing, it is clear that excessive television viewing can have a variety of negative outcomes for young children, including reduced cognitive development, poor social skills, and increased risk of ASD development. As such, it is important for parents to be mindful of the amount and type of programming their children are exposed to in order to promote healthy development and reduce the risk of ASD.