ST. LOUIS — Ping-I (Daniel) Lin, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, is the paper’s first author. Key takeaways from the study are:
- Association Found: The study identified a significant association between increased screen time in early childhood (specifically more than 14 hours per week) and a higher risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by age 12. Children with high screen time had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.79, indicating they were nearly 80% more likely to be diagnosed than those with less screen time.
- Socioeconomic Factors Considered: The research team considered socioeconomic factors such as family income and maternal education, which were found to influence screen time but not directly linked to ASD risk. This suggests that while screen time may be a marker for other underlying issues, it does not necessarily cause ASD.
- Caution Against Causation: Despite the observed association, the research team cautions that their findings do not imply a direct causal relationship between screen time and ASD. They emphasize the importance of considering other factors that could contribute to both increased screen time and the risk of developing autism.
- Clinical Implications: The study suggests that healthcare providers should inquire about children’s screen time during developmental assessments. Understanding screen time habits could help identify families needing additional support, especially in addressing broader socioeconomic challenges affecting child development.
About Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first medical degree west of the Mississippi River. The school educates physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health care on a local, national and international level. Research at the school seeks new cures and treatments in five key areas: infectious disease, liver disease, cancer, heart/lung disease, and aging and brain disorders.
