The connection between genetic risks, Autism, ADHD, and screen time in children

Researchers at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan examined screen time in autistic (ASD) and ADHD children. Revealing that children with a genetic predisposition to ASD tended to use screens for extended periods

Screen time trends in neurodevelopmental disorders

Screen time refers to the duration of time someone spends on devices with screens, such as smartphones, computers, televisions or video game systems.

Their study found that children with a genetic predisposition to ASD tended to use screens for extended periods. While children with ADHD are more likely to increase their screen time as they get older, even if they initially had shorter screen use times.

There is an increase in the amount of time people spend on their screens, especially in children with neurodevelopmental disorders who spend more time on their screens for longer periods.

In response to this concern, a team of researchers from Nagoya University and Hamamatsu University conducted a comprehensive analysis of 6.5 million genetic variations in the DNA of 437 children to determine genetic susceptibility to ASD and ADHD.

They computed a genetic risk index that considers the quantity and magnitude of gene variations associated with ASD and ADHD. This is known as a “polygenic risk score” and was then compared to the screen time usage patterns of children at 18, 32, and 40 months of age in their sample.

Assessing the genetic influence on children with ADHD and their screentime

Their research revealed that children with an elevated genetic predisposition to ASD displayed prolonged screen usage, with some spending 3 hours or more than 4 hours per day engaged with screen devices during their early childhood.

It was further observed that a substantial genetic risk for ADHD exhibited a gradual escalation in their screen time as they got older.

The lead researcher, Dr. Nagahide Takahashi of Nagoya University, explained: “Overall, those with a genetic risk of ASD were 1.5 times more likely to be in the group with about three hours of screen time per day, and 2.1 times more likely to be in the group with more than four hours of screen time.”

“Screen time may be an early sign of ASD, rather than a cause, as children with ASD are often more attracted to objects than people.”

The findings from the study indicate that children with a heightened risk of developing ADHD are also at an increased risk of excessive screen time.