Screentime, Early Experiences, Later Consequences

A Heffler-lead team determined that “Greater early-life digital media exposures may be associated with atypical sensory processing. Further research is needed to understand why early media exposure is associated with specific sensory-related behaviors, including those seen in autism spectrum disorder, and if minimizing screen media at a young age can improve subsequent sensory-related outcomes.” Data about TV and video exposures were collected at 12, 18, and 24 months old and regarding sensory processing at around 33 months old.

Karen Heffler, Binod Acharya, Keshab Subbedi, and David Bennett.  2024. “Early-Life Digital Media Experiences and Development of Atypical Sensory Processing.”  JAMA Pediatrics, doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5923