HomeAnswersPsychiatryautismOne of my autistic friends seem to be getting worse in his symptoms with the excessive use of technology. What can be done?

Does the overuse of technology worsen autism?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At August 23, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 23, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

In my school, there are a couple of autistic children. There is one kid with whom I was relatively close. He was never really able to speak fluently obviously, but could still talk and have basic conversation. He could say 'Hi', his name, and similar simple phrases. But over the years, as our school has started using more technology, he can do all his talking through an app on his digital device. Now he appears to be far more isolated and anxious than he used to be. He cannot talk now and seems to be getting worse now that there is no assistance in teaching him things. I am just wondering if this is because his autism is getting worse. It just breaks my heart to watch this once bright young kid who used to play with everybody now turn into a kid who sits with his eyes glued to a digital device all day with headphones. Do you think I should bring it to the school board that we need to put more effort into trying to keep these kids able to care for themselves? I honestly do not know what to do, but it has bothered me so much that I have decided to further my education in psychology and childhood development.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am glad to hear that you are very caring and like to take the issue forward. I want to enlighten you regarding autistic spectrum disorder. These children are poor in social communication, have delayed language development, and have repetitive stereotypic activities. Autistic children never accept a change in their daily routine. He does not accept digital devices. Changes should be slowly imposed with the consent of the kid. Slow exposure increases acceptability. I will recommend reducing the hours he uses the digital device. Give him a digital break. Do not overburden him. He will learn slowly. Initially, he will not accept it but with time he will start learning to start using it. If we force him, his performance will deteriorate and regression of learned skills will occur. I suggest you talk to the concerned authorities, and follow the old comfortable pattern with small exposure time with digital exposure. Slowly he will start exploring it in a positive way.

I hope this information will help you. Please revert in case of more queries.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki
Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki

Psychiatry

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