Parent-Reported Screen Time in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

View full size image

Project end date: August 1, 2026

Children today spend a large part of their daily lives using screens such as tablets, phones, televisions and video games. While moderate screen use can sometimes be beneficial, research shows that too much screen time
may be linked to emotional and behaviour problems in children. These concerns may be especially important for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who tend to spend more time on screens than other children.
However, there is limited research that focuses specifically on how screen use related to behaviour and emotional well-being in autistic children.
This research project aims to better understand the relationships between screen time and behavioural and psychological factors in children with autism aged 6 to 10 years old. The study will focus on parents’ reports of their
children’s screen use and their everyday behaviours and emotions.
The study will explore three main questions:

1. In autistic children aged 6 to 10 years, what is the relationship between parent-reported screen use (ScreenQ results) and behavioural outcomes (SDQ Conduct Problems and Hyperactivity/Inattention subscale scores)?

2. In autistic children aged 6 to 10 years, what is the relationship between
parent-reported screen use (ScreenQ results) and psychological outcomes (SDQ Emotional Symptoms and Peer Relationship Problems subscale scores)?

3. How do parents of children with ASD evaluate and describe their reasons
for allowing screen use for their child?

The findings from this research may benefit society by helping parents, educators and professionals better understand how screen use fits into the daily lives of children with autism. This knowledge may support more
informed guidance around healthy screen habits and help families balance screen use with other important activities. The results may also identify areas where further autism-specific research is needed. This study will be primarily
shared through a master’s thesis, as well as presented at academic or professional conferences.

Survey link: https://concordia.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6G9djQxeMgGgNvM