What is Virtual Autism, and Does My Baby Have It?

“I thought she had autism, but ever since her tablet died, she’s been playing with us, looking at us when we call her, and talking more,” the mom reported to our evaluation team.

Before her two-year-old daughter dropped the tablet in bathwater, the mom reported that her child had rarely responded when called, didn’t look at those speaking to her, and had no words.

But now—even without therapy—she had improved in a few weeks.

Are Screens Safe?

Today’s young children have constant access to screens, especially handheld ones (tablets and smartphones). Let’s face it; we are inundated with technology. Whether riding in the car, waiting at the doctor’s office, or being quietly entertained while mom is busy, screens are the go-to toy for most families.

“Are screens safe?” is the question science is now beginning to answer. Current research demonstrates structural changes in the brains of children who watch screens more than three hours per day. Those children had poor communication skills, struggled to control their emotions, and were impulsive and hyperactive.

Most children with autism struggle in those same areas. Many of them love screens and prefer them over almost everything else.

The mother above thought her daughter’s poor communication skills, inattentiveness to others, and emotional meltdowns meant she had autism. When her daughter’s skills improved after the tablet died, she wondered if her autism worries were misplaced.

What Is Virtual Autism?

Babies and toddlers with screen addiction and autistic-like behaviors are now so typical that there is a new term to describe their symptoms—virtual autism.

Dr. Marius Zamfir, a clinical psychologist from Romania, coined the term virtual autism in 2018. It describes children under age three whose autistic-like symptoms improve when screen viewing is removed.

While some believe virtual autism is nothing more than autism, it’s worth exploring whether removing screens can reverse or minimize autistic-like symptoms in a child. It did for the child I’ve previously described.

Symptoms Common to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Virtual Autism

While there are individual variations, common symptoms in both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and virtual autism are:

• Avoids or does not maintain eye contact
• Does not point, use gestures, or words to communicate as expected for age
• Has obsessive tendencies or behaviors, such as lining up toys the same way, spinning wheels, or can’t stop playing a video or game
• Hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattentive behavior
• Emotional outbursts when they don’t get what they want

A Digital Detox Is Needed

The child described in the beginning of this article improved once the screens were removed from her daily activities. Without removing the tablet from her life, we’d never know the negative impact it had on her development. While she may one day receive an autism diagnosis, she is less delayed without her screen addiction.

When the electronic tablet died, her mom couldn’t afford another one. The first few days were rough, she reported. However, eventually, her daughter noticed her surroundings and her family.

She explored books, stacked blocks, and played with her baby doll. She formed sounds and gestured to meet her needs instead of crying and fussing like an infant. It was like she’d come out of her virtual world into the real one. While she still had delays, there had been measurable improvement once screens were no longer available. Click To Tweet

While there is no cure for autism, and this case study is not a claim of a cure, a digital detox is worth a try. If it worked for this child, might it work for others? 

Takeaways

The COVID lockdowns were brutal on us all. We were glued to screens for school and work. Babies had to be kept quiet while those activities occurred. And many children born during the lockdowns now prefer digital activities over everything else. Some are addicted to screens.

Now that the lockdowns are over, it’s time to face the difficulties our babies have. We did our best during those stressful years. Please, give yourself grace and let go of guilt. Your child needs you to take action.

If your baby demonstrates autistic-like symptoms, try a digital detox. Sadly, you’ll need to change your screen-viewing habits, as well. Expect the first days to be difficult. Changing a familiar and comfortable routine always is.

When your baby improves, however, you’ll know that your child’s screen-viewing habits are contributing to the delays you’re noticing. Maybe your child will try to talk more, play with non-electronic toys, and look at picture books.

Are you willing to try?

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(Photo: Adobe Stock)

Disclaimer: All information presented is general education and is not intended as specific prescriptions for your child. If you have concerns about any aspect of your baby’s development, talk with your doctor. If your child receives any intervention or therapy, this information is not intended to be used without their knowledge.