BEWARE VIRTUAL AUTISM! #AAH
Autism is a mental condition in which a person finds it difficult to communicate or form relationships with other people
“मानसिक स्वास्थ्य की वह दशा जिसमें व्यक्ति अन्य व्यक्तियों से संबंध बनाने या उनसे विचारों का आदान-प्रदान करने में कठिनाई अनुभव करता है”
What is virtual autism- Virtual autism is a condition that arises when young children below the age of two are excessively exposed to screens, resulting in ASD-like symptoms such as communication problems and behavior oddities. (https://prayatna.co.in/virtual-autism-how-to-deal-with-it/)
“Most of the time, the child receives only certain sensations (visual and / or auditory) from a virtual environment, and can not correlate these visual and auditory sensations with other types of sensations: vestibular, tactile, odor, tasteless, unable to develop accordingly. In such a child, if they do not intervene early (before 2-3 years), these problems will become more and more acute…”- Cristiana BĂLAN, at “Spiru Haret” University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences Braşov, Romania
This can lead to speech delay. Cognitive abilities can be affected as well, possibly leading to mental disorders. These issues can affect a child’s ability to negotiate social interactions in the same way neurotypical children might. (https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/children-virtual-autism/)
Excessive screen time can disrupt the natural developmental processes of young children, affecting their social interactions, language development, and cognitive abilities [1]. Increased screen time in young children has been associated with negative health outcomes, including decreased cognitive ability, impaired language development, mood issues, and autistic-like behavior such as hyperactivity, short attention span, and irritability
It was found that even the light-dark rhythms that help the brain produce melatonin, dopamine, and increase a child’s understanding of their relationship to themselves and others can be messed up with too much screen exposure.
These phenomena can cause children to experience screen withdrawal when they are separated from the world they have immersed themselves in for so long. They can lose their ability to sleep properly, interact with others, and can become depressed and even angry. The aggression that can accompany this can further damage their relationships, and leave them with low self esteem.
Virtual autism can also result in hyperactivity-like behaviours in affected children. Increased screen time has been associated with short attention spans and hyperactivity. Some common hyperactivity challenges experienced by children with virtual autism include:
- Restlessness and difficulty sitting still.
- Impulsivity and acting without considering consequences.
- Difficulty following instructions and rules.
- Rapidly shifting attention between tasks.
- Impaired attention span and focus.
- Delayed speech and language development.
- Difficulties in understanding and processing information.
- Challenges with problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Frequent tantrums and meltdowns.
- Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
- Agitation and frustration in response to changes or transitions.
- Difficulty regulating emotions and expressing needs.
They are not situationally aware, absent minded, might have frequent injuries, falls, not paying attention to what they are doing/ walking- very dangerous
“To limit the time spent by the child in front of the TV, tablet, computer, mobile phone, parents should adhere to certain rules:
- Make a daily schedule to follow with the child.
- Establish rules for the use of the TV, the computer, and the phone by the child
- Remove any gadget from the child’s visual contact
- Offering rewards when the child respects the daily schedule
- Building a special place in the house with exciting things that can be used when the child gets bored and wishes to play on the tablet. So the focus will be on something new
- The TV and the computer will be closed while homework is being done
- TV shows, computer games will be chosen with discernment Physical activities, walking will be of great significance
Physical activities have a major impact on the emotional development of the child. Emotional health is very important for the development of the child and can be greatly stimulated by movement. With the help of sport, the child grows physically, mentally and emotionally fulfilled. Sport stimulates interactions. With the help of it, children will learn to be patient with others, to wait for their turn, to be responsible, to respect others, to be accountable, to cope with unexpected situations, to adapt more easily. And last but not least, they will make friends of the same age with them and with similar passions.”
Getting kids’ out in the world is a good step in the right direction. Social interaction with peers, moving their bodies, playing and exploring the world in a hands-on way can boost brain development and mood. This can prevent virtual autism symptoms, as well as reduce them.
We learned above that the children who had the most effects from too much screen exposure were the ones who lacked parent-child interaction.
We must look for ways to increase our child’s movement and interaction. The more activities we do that combine movement, social skills, and sensory input the better.
Here are some suggestions of things we can do with our children:
- Yoga
- Puzzles
- Fishing
- Board games
- Building blocks
- Hiking
- Cooking
- Drawing or colouring
- Visiting an aquarium or zoo
- Going to the beach
Spend time with children, be observant. Any exhibit of isolation, increased irritability, inability to express should be addressed immediately.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!
(Some references are taken from online journals)
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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’
‘Akancha Against Harassment’ is India’s largest social impact initiative against cyber harassment. It was founded by Miss Akancha Srivastava in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.
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