J Autism Dev Disord. 2026 Aug 3. doi: 10.1007/s10803-026-07469-z. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be especially sensitive to early screen exposure due to sensory and emotional vulnerabilities. This study examined whether early screen time differentially affects behavioral trajectories in ASD, ADHD, and neurotypical children.
METHODS: Using data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, linear mixed-effects models assessed outcomes. Screen time before age 2 was categorized as ≥ 14 vs. <14 h/week. Hyperactivity and emotional problems were measured at ages 4, 6, and 8, with ASD and ADHD diagnoses tested as moderators.
RESULTS: ASD was linked to higher baseline hyperactivity and emotional problems and steeper increases in both outcomes over time. ADHD was associated with higher baseline hyperactivity and steeper symptom growth in hyperactivity and emotional problems over time. Greater early screen time was associated with steeper increases in emotional problems scores across all subgroups. However, no significant interaction between screen time, age, and diagnosis was found, indicating that screen exposure did not disproportionately worsen trajectories in ASD or ADHD compared to neurotypical peers.
CONCLUSION: Early screen exposure is associated with a statistically significant but small increase in emotional problem scores but does not uniquely amplify risks in ASD or ADHD. While both conditions independently show steeper behavioral symptom growth, these patterns are not exacerbated by screen time. Findings support universal, rather than disorder-specific, screen time guidelines.
PMID:42545633 | DOI:10.1007/s10803-026-07469-z
