Research from Cornell University strongly suggests that for children under 3 years of age, screen viewing may be “an important trigger for autism”, the incidence of which appears to be increasing. Researchers estimated that just fewer than 40 per cent of autism diagnoses studied were linked to watching screens below the age of 3 (Waldman et al., 2006). While it is not clear how watching screens could trigger autism, it is possible the lack of social interaction could make children prone to autism more withdrawn. And if screen technology is involved, the damage must be done early in life, as most cases of autism are diagnosed by age three. In discussing the findings the lead researcher commented, “we have evidence that is awfully suggestive of a link between watching TV and autism.
-Vivian (New Staff from TNG)
-Vivian (New Staff from TNG)
