Caregiver Reports of Screen Time Use of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

• Main Authors: Anja Stiller, Jan Weber, Finja Strube, Thomas Mößle
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-05-01
• Series: Behavioral Sciences
• Subjects: media use; children; adolescents; autism spectrum disorder (ASD); leisure time
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/9/5/56

Screen based media have progressively become an integral part in the daily lives of children and youths with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, research that exclusively pursues the functionality of screen media use of children with ASD is extremely rare. Through a triangulated approach, the present study aims to fill this gap. We conducted 13 interviews with parents of children with ASD and supplemented this interview−study with an online survey including parents of children with ASD (n = 327). Children with ASD mostly used screen media (especially television) for their wellbeing, which is associated with chances and risks. Based on the parental interviews it is suggested that the media usage of children with ASD should be supervised. The results are discussed in terms of their practical implementation.