Media Use by Children with Autism

Children with autism are easy overloaded with information. How do we address the use of media for kids on the spectrum?

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The marketing claims of apps aren’t actual evidence of effectiveness. Colors and numbers are great, but those on the spectrum face greater challenges socially and emotionally. They really need to learn how to interface with other people and handle their emotions. There’s not an app for that.

Help your children learn about persuasive design. Assist them in managing communications via social media so they feel comfortable. Your children should expect you to share their early social media experiences so they have success using it.

Encourage your children to use Skype or FaceTime to connect with family.

Watch for signs of overuse. Lack of sleep, failure to go outside and enjoy physical activity, and reduced in-person interaction are red flags. If your child gets stuck or upset after a particular game, eliminate the game from the rotation.

Listen as Dr. Jenny Radesky joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share best practices for media use by kids with autism.

Resource:

Media tips for children with autism

Recommendations:

PBS Kids
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Common Sense Media

Sponsor:

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Featuring:

Jenny Radesky, MD

Dr. Jenny Radesky is an Assistant Professor of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School.

She received her M.D. from Harvard Medical School, trained in pediatrics at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and completed sub-specialty training in developmental behavioral pediatrics at Boston Medical Center. Her research interests include use of mobile technology by parents and young children and how this relates to child self-regulation and parent-child interaction.

Clinically, her work focuses on developmental and behavioral problems in low-income and underserved populations. She was lead author of the 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on digital media use in early childhood.