Not all screen time is created equal! Some screen time is used for connection, creation, and learning new things. Other times it can be used as a distraction instead of processing emotions, become addictive, or be chosen over in person opportunities. Open communication and a willingness to learn are the best resources to help parents in a changing world.
Differentiating Neurotypical and Neurodiverse Needs
Promoting Educational Screen Time Activities
Open Communication and Monitoring
Building Digital Literacy:
Provide resources on the importance of digital literacy and responsible technology use.
Offer tips on how parents can model healthy screen time habits and guide their children in navigating online content.
Introduce age-appropriate lessons on digital literacy, including online etiquette, privacy, and critical thinking skills.
Encourage children to explore educational content online and teach them to pay attention to reliable sources.
Customizing Screen Time for Individual Needs:
Highlight the importance of understanding each child’s unique learning style and preferences.
Offer guidance on customizing screen time guidelines to accommodate neurotypical and neurodiverse children’s individual needs.
Foster self-awareness by helping to recognize their preferred learning and activities.
Encourage neurodiverse children to communicate their preferences and provide input on their digital experiences.
Promoting Positive Screen Time Engagement:
Emphasize the value of using screen time for educational and creative purposes.
Provide recommendations for age-appropriate apps, games, and content that align with positive developmental outcomes.
Teach children to set goals for their screen time, focusing on learning and skill development.
Encourage a balance between educational content, creative expression, and recreational activities during screen time.
Establishing Consistent Routines and Boundaries:
Creation of consistent daily routines that include designated screen time periods.
Offer strategies for setting boundaries on screen time, considering the child’s age and developmental stage.
Help children understand the importance of routines in managing their time effectively.
Collaboratively establish clear guidelines for when and how screens will be used, promoting a sense of structure and responsibility.
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Risks associated with screen time use
There are a variety of risks associated with screen time use – The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt is one of the more in depth and widely cited texts outlining risks including less practice interacting with peers, sleep deprivation, addition, self-esteem issues and others.
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Autistic Perspectives on Screen Time – Integrating information from the book Take It from the Expert: Sixteen Years of Living on the Autism Spectrum November 2018, Kaitlin Smith
Lived Experiences:
In her book, Kaitlin Smith shares a firsthand account of her experiences living on the autism spectrum, and her perspectives on screen time exploring both the positive and challenging aspects.
Utilizing Technology for Expression:
Smith’s narrative explains how she utilizes technology for self-expression and communication. This aspect highlights the positive role that screen time can play in empowering autistic individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the world.
Considerations:
Autistic individuals often navigate sensory sensitivities, and Smith offers insights into how screen time interacts with these sensitivities. Having the ability to understand the impact of different types of content on sensory experiences can inform guidelines that cater to the diverse sensory needs of the autistic community.
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Lastly consider things like and ergonomic set up, regular breaks (and eye breaks), as well as reminders to get up and move every 30-60 minutes.
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Explore balanced screen time strategies during occupational therapy services for neurotypical and neurodiverse children, focusing on connection, education, open communication, and digital literacy.
