Virtual Autism in children

 

   Virtual Autism in children

 In this digital age, where screens are ubiquitous, concerns have arisen regarding the impact of excessive screen time on child development. One term that has emerged in recent years is “virtual autism.” However, it is important to note that virtual autism is not a recognized scientific term or condition within the field of autism. While it may not have widespread recognition or acceptance in the scientific community, it is worth exploring the concept to understand its main characteristics and how to manage it effectively.

 Origins of Virtual Autism

The term “virtual autism” was formulated in 2018 by Marius Teodor Zamfir, a Romanian psychologist. Zamfir observed that children under the age of 3 who had more than four hours of screen exposure per day exhibited sensory, motor, and social skill deprivations similar to those found in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is important to emphasize that virtual autism is not a recognized medical condition or diagnosis but rather a concept proposed by Zamfir.

Characteristics of Virtual Autism

1. Hyperactivity: Children who spend an excessive amount of time on screens may experience hyperactivity, which can manifest as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep through the night.
2. Inability to Focus and Attend: Overusing screens can lead to a lack of responsiveness in children. They may not make eye contact or respond when called by their name, fail to look when someone enters the house, or show a lack of interest in their surroundings.
3. Lack of Interest in Toys and Play Activities: Children exposed to more than four hours of screen time a day may exhibit disinterest in engaging with toys and playing with them. They may not explore or interact with toys as expected, showing a reduced inclination for play activities like hide and seek, tag, or chase.
4. Speech Delay: Extended screen time may hinder a child’s interaction with peers and adults, leading to delays in speech and communication development.
5. Lack of Social Interaction: Excessive screen use can limit a child’s opportunities to interact with others, hindering their exposure to diverse models of social interaction. As a result, the child may struggle with social communication, social play, and social interaction.
6. Irritability and Emotional Instability: Children who spend significant time on screens may become irritable or emotionally unstable when denied access to electronic devices. They may express their frustration through crying, whining, or exhibiting emotional imbalances.
7. Maladaptive Behaviors: Overexposure to screens can contribute to the development of maladaptive behaviors. Children may display tantrums, crying, throwing items, or aggression when they are unable to access their devices or watch their preferred shows.
8. Decreased Cognition: Children who are excessively exposed to screens may have limited opportunities to practice and develop their motor, social, and sensory skills. This limitation could potentially impact their cognitive development and hinder them from meeting developmental milestones.