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INTRODUCTION
Are you aware of the term“Virtual Autism"? There is a very thin line between Autism and Virtual autism. It
is a disorder that occurs due to the overexposure of digital screens to toddlers. The impact of this
disorder will affect Social interaction, lack of communication & behavior in kids. In other words,
symptoms of Autism and
are almost the same but the reasons behind autism are many it could be by birth or trauma, or other
factors but behind virtual autism there is only one reason that is screen time.
The phrase “Virtual Autism” was invented by Dr.Marius Zamfir, a clinical psychologist from Romania, to
describe Screen Induced Syndrome in toddlers.
Let's briefly discuss virtual autism. How does it differ from classic autism? How to diagnose it or cure it?
What is Virtual Autism?
When exposure to screens is provided to a child, especially under the age of 18 to 36 months, who spend
most of their time in front of a mobile, computer, television, or tablet screen can develop a new type of
disorder called “VIRTUAL AUTISM”. In this condition, the child starts showing symptoms exactly like ASD.
It is observed that many children, especially those below the age of 18 months, who spend most of their
time in front of a mobile, computer, television, or tablet screen may develop a new type of disorder called
“VIRTUAL AUTISM”. If you look into this properly you will find that the main reason is not just screens,
along with screen time other factors are nuclear family and less quality time from parents.
Even as an adult, we can't escape from the digital world and it will impact kids' lifestyles too. Because of a
busy schedule, people hand over tabs or mobile phones in their little hands to keep their toddlers busy
because of this they receive only a certain sensation from a virtual environment. Studies show that a
toddler needs all five sensations (touch, hear, see, taste, and smell) to fully develop their mind.
In the digital world, children fail to experience all five senses. The screen is running so fast and the
toddler fails to relate it to the real world.
To develop all five senses in toddlers it is necessary to introduce them to the external environment. Like
playing with others.
How does virtual autism differ from classic autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that reduces the ability to interact or communicate with others.
It affects the overall nervous system of an individual. There is a lack of social, cognitive, and emotional
skills.
Causes behind ASD are genetic or environmental factors like complications during pregnancy, inferior
nutrients, etc. Whereas VSD happens due to overexposure to screens, symptoms are almost the same as
classic autism. But the main difference is that virtual autism is curable whereas ASD cannot be curable,
people have to learn to live with this disorder by managing it.
a) Hyperactivity - Hyperactivity is the most common symptom of virtual autism in children. In a stage in
which children are unusually active, they experience attention problems, In this, they are unable to
concentrate on tasks or activities.
b) Inability to pay attention - In this children can find difficulties in paying attention. They get easily
distracted.
c) Speech Delay - a toddler with virtual autism feeling difficulty while speaking. They don't want to speak.
The child who is speaking in the beginning suddenly stops speaking after the virtual autism.
d) Lack of social interaction - The main feature of autism is social disconnection. In this virtual autistic
kids are not showing interest in responding to anyone; it will affect their social skills.
e) Lack of interest in play activities - The children who suffer from this disorder have less interest in play
activities or they don't want to play with others. They get comfortable with the tablet or mobile.
f) Irritability and mood swings - as an adult if we are spending too much time on screen then it will affect
our health and mood. These are just newborn kids. It will impact their mood and behavior very badly.
Studies suggest that if we introduce excess screen time to our young children it will lead to a negative
impact on mental health. Currently, children worldwide spend more time with electronic screen media
compared to previous generations. Studies show that Previous generation is more socially active in
comparison to today's generation.
Young children are commonly found bounding with various electronic screen media in both higher
economic & lower economic level society. This phenomenon can easily be seen in public places such as
restaurants, shopping malls, playing grounds & schools.
It could be because of the busy schedules of parents they themselves are excessively engaged in the
digital world.
According to research, increased screen time is linked to melanopsin-expressing neurons and a decline in
the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads to abnormal behavior, language
development & other problems in kids.
People introduce mobile or tablets to their kids to make them busy while working but you can try these
activity ideas with your child to keep them engaged,
a) Puzzle
b) Board games
c) Engage them in working with you
d) Drawing, give them some crayons and let them do their own creativity.
CONCLUSION:
Autism and virtual Autism are different disorders even though the symptoms are the same. It is
necessary to identify disorders timely and provide the right treatment to the child. As early as you are
able to identify it, the chance to recover increases so that the child can join a normal school and live a
normal life without any delay. You can prevent it by changing the schedule or you can treat it timely with
the guidance of a professional counselor. also you can join our WhatsApp channel to stay updated on
virtual autism and other parenting challenges.