One of the things we discussed with the boy’s pediatrician the other day, was how much screen time she recommended per day. The boys weren’t happy with that question being asked but that didn’t stop the discussion.
She said she doesn’t want them having more than two hours of screen time a day, if possible. That’s tablet, TV and video games combined.
We’ve been wanting to make this change for some time but it keeps getting bumped. Lizze and I are going to work out exactly how we will approach this change. After school on Monday, we will sit down with the kids and loop them and explain everything.
We will probably do this in increments because kids on the Autism Spectrum tend not to do well with change, and our kids are the poster children for that unwritten rule. I think over the course of the next week, we will have them switched, at least in part, over to a new routine.
If we need more time to do so, than so be it. All that matters is that we get there in a reasonable amount of time.
Secondly, she also agrees that they should have to earn the screen time as well. That will factor in to out plans also.
I’ll update when we have a more solid plan in place but I will say that I’m reviewing an app that is designed to make this process very easy. Stay tuned. ☺
Question: Do you limit your child’s screen time? I know it’s very difficult, especially for kids with Autism, but I’d love to hear your insight and experience. If you’re an adult Autistic and would be willing to share your insight on how best to approach something like this, I’m all ears.. ☺
thanks for posting and want to know more.
I completely limit their screen time. I fact no iPad or games during the week and .5 hr a day tv. They have a little more on weekends. I find the mor screen time they want the more they want. After a day or two of limited use they don’t even think about it.
Thanks. While mine won’t give up so easily, I live your approach..)
Disclaimer: My child with Autism is only 2.7 years old. BUT, since speech is a huge issue with her we’ve had to limit screen time since it doesn’t encourage speech or interaction. That being said, I notice a huge difference in both her willingness and ability to interact and participate in receptive language requests like “take this to the garbage can,” or “Please pick up the toy…” whereas with the tablet/screen engaged she tunes us out completely and even for several hours after the screen is disengaged she repeatedly asks for it and fixates on it.
On days when I really have to get things done or just can’t “parent” I rely more heavily on the tablets and television… we’ve also used it as a potty training reward/incentive. And lastly we use screen time when she has just had enough of trying to function in a social world and needs a break (God don’t we all?!?!?)
Its a pain but with some rules/ guidelines in place you can pull it off!
I completely limit their screen time. I fact no iPad or games during the week and .5 hr a day tv. They have a little more on weekends. I find the mor screen time they want the more they want. After a day or two of limited use they don’t even think about it.
Thanks. While mine won’t give up so easily, I live your approach..)
Disclaimer: My child with Autism is only 2.7 years old. BUT, since speech is a huge issue with her we’ve had to limit screen time since it doesn’t encourage speech or interaction. That being said, I notice a huge difference in both her willingness and ability to interact and participate in receptive language requests like “take this to the garbage can,” or “Please pick up the toy…” whereas with the tablet/screen engaged she tunes us out completely and even for several hours after the screen is disengaged she repeatedly asks for it and fixates on it.
On days when I really have to get things done or just can’t “parent” I rely more heavily on the tablets and television… we’ve also used it as a potty training reward/incentive. And lastly we use screen time when she has just had enough of trying to function in a social world and needs a break (God don’t we all?!?!?)
Its a pain but with some rules/ guidelines in place you can pull it off!
thanks for posting and want to know more.