EXCESS SCREEN BASED MEDIA USE, A PREDICTOR OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ITS SEVERITY?

Abstract

Objective: To analyze association of excess screen media use and autism spectrum disorder.

Study Design: Analytical study.

Place and Duration of Study: The Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from Jan 2016 to Jun 2016 (total 6 months).

Methodology: Total 100 children aged ≥3 years were included. Informed written consent was taken. Institutional Review Board approval was taken. Data regarding age, gender, socioeconomic status, autism severity and total time spent in hours per day in static screen media (television, mobiles, I-pads, computers, laptops etc.) with excess defined as ≥2 hours/day was recorded on a questionnaire proforma. Childhood Autism Rating Scale II (CARS II) was administrated in addition to clinical diagnosis of autism based on Diagnostic & Statistical Manual V (DSM V) criteria (APA 2013). Statistical analysis was performed using latest SPSS. Chi square test and logistic regression was used to analyze significance (p<0.05).

Results: There were 84 males (84%) and 16 females (16%). Sixteen (16%) patients had mild form, 38 (38%) had mild to moderate form, 33 (33%) had moderate to severe and 13 (13%) had severe autism category. The severity of autism spectrum disorder was associated with longer the time spent in static screen media and association was statistically significant (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Excess screen media use may be considered a risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder and its severity.