Autistic adolescents spend free time in solitary, screen-based pursuits
26/1/2012
Most adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) spend their free time engaging in screen-based solitary pursuits, new research has found.
A study at the University of Missouri has identified that autistic teens will play video and computer games and watch TV as a leisure pursuit, rather than use email or social media.
Professor Micah Mazurek, study leader, explained: "We found that 64 percent of adolescents with ASD spent most of their free time watching TV and playing video and computer games.
"These rates were much higher than among those with other types of disabilities."
Only 13.2 per cent of teens with ASD will spend their free time using social media and interacting with others online.
As a result of the study, Professor Mazurek is warning parents and doctors of the dangers of overuse of screen-based activities, as studies have shown that excessive amounts can hinder development in children.
TV can also have a negative impact on parent-child communication and literacy, according to recent research.