In homes across India, screens have quietly become part of infancy—used to calm a crying baby, distract during meals, or fill long afternoons. But new findings from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi suggest this early digital exposure could come at a cost.
A study by its paediatric neurology team has found that children exposed to higher screen time before the age of one were more likely to show signs associated with autism by the age of three. Researchers further noted that children under 18 months should ideally not be exposed to screens at all.
WHAT DID THE AIIMS STUDY REVEAL?
The concern comes at a time when autism diagnoses are steadily rising. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 31 children are now diagnosed with autism, while the World Health Organisation estimates the global prevalence at around 1 in 100.
Behind these figures are families navigating a condition that affects how a child interacts with and understands the world.
At AIIMS, more than 2,000 children with autism have been evaluated, and nearly 80% were found to have additional challenges, including epilepsy, attention difficulties, sleep disorders, and behavioural issues—making daily life more demanding for both children and caregivers.
Explaining the condition, Dr. Shefali Gulati, Faculty In-Charge of the Child Neurology Division in the Department of Paediatrics at AIIMS, said autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication and social interaction, often appearing early in life.
She noted that repetitive behaviours and restricted interests are common features, adding that symptoms vary widely among children, which is why it is called a “spectrum” disorder.
WHY EARLY YEARS MATTER
The study emphasises that screen time is not identified as a direct cause, but as a factor that may replace essential early interactions—such as eye contact, speech, gestures, and play—that are critical for brain development.
Dr. Gulati said research at AIIMS found that children with autism often had earlier and prolonged exposure to screens.
The first 1,000 days of life—from pregnancy to age three—are especially crucial, as this is when the brain develops at its fastest rate.
She stressed that early identification is key, as intervention during this period can significantly improve outcomes. After the age of three, brain patterns become more established, making change more difficult.
Parents are advised to look out for early signs such as lack of eye contact, not responding to their name, delayed speech, or loss of previously acquired skills.
Dr. Gulati also clarified that autism has multiple causes, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, and reaffirmed that there is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism.
As screen use becomes more common in early childhood, experts continue to emphasise a simple but powerful need—human interaction during the earliest years of life remains essential for healthy development.
