Digital Autism – The Silent Epidemic Destroying Our Children’s Brains!
In an era where screens have become an extension of our hands, children of the earliest ages spend hours trapped in the digital world. But did you know that excessive use of phones, tablets, and TVs can cause symptoms resembling autism? Yes, you read that right! Experts warn about a phenomenon called “digital autism” or “screen syndrome” – a condition that is not an official diagnosis but alarmingly affects children’s development.
What is Digital Autism?
Digital autism is not true autism but a set of symptoms seen in children excessively exposed to screens. These kids show delays in speech, emotional and cognitive development, attention disorders, problems in social interaction, and symbolic play. A child’s brain, especially in early years, is overstimulated by inappropriate visual and auditory content, leading to sensory disintegration and withdrawal.
Alarming Cases from Practice
Speech therapist Marijana Mirković describes cases of children glued to screens for hours daily. One boy refused to eat without his phone and fell asleep with it, resulting in severe delays in speech and socio-emotional development. Another became irritable, impatient, and restless, with EEG findings showing epileptiform changes. This is not science fiction but reality in many homes.
Science Confirms: Screens Change the Brain
Research shows children who spend more than two hours daily in front of screens perform worse in thinking, speech, and memory. They also suffer from myopia, insomnia, and lag in imagination and physical activity development. On average, children today spend about three hours daily on screens but only about 40 minutes talking with parents – a devastating statistic indicating loss of real communication.
What Can Parents Do?
Experts advise that children under three should not be exposed to screens. If unavoidable, screen time should be limited to 30 minutes daily, with active parental supervision of content. Instead of calming or feeding children with screens, parents should encourage play, movement, and communication – only then can the brain develop healthily.
Digital Autism is Not a Fate
The good news is that digital autism symptoms can reverse if children’s screen access is limited and they are engaged in the real world. Children start responding to their names, develop speech and social skills, and their behavior improves. But this requires great effort and professional help.
Conclusion
Digitalization is inevitable, but its abuse can have catastrophic consequences for our children. Will we allow them to become screen prisoners and damage their brains? Or will we fight for their future? Think about this the next time you hand your child a phone to calm them down. And if you have a story or opinion, feel free to share – maybe your word will change someone’s life!
