The brain is on pause: how gadgets shape digital autism in children
Modern children are increasingly spending their free time with gadgets, replacing live communication with a screen. Against this background, experts talk about the so—called "digital autism" - an acquired syndrome in which a child develops symptoms that superficially resemble autism spectrum disorders. Izvestia reports on how excessive use of gadgets affects speech, emotions, and social skills.
What is "digital autism" and why is it not a diagnosis?
The concept of "digital autism" was introduced in the late 2010s by Romanian psychologist Marius Zamfir. He described an alarming pattern: children who abuse gadgets massively showed symptoms similar to those of classical autism. As clinical psychologist Ksenia Savelyeva emphasizes, we are not talking about a disease or an official diagnosis.
— This is not a disease or an autism spectrum disorder. We are talking about a syndrome that is formed under the influence of the environment and is fundamentally different from true autism in its reversibility," explains the specialist.
According to her, the key difference lies in the origin of the problem. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a congenital condition often associated with genetic and neurobiological factors. Digital autism is formed in an initially normally developing child and is directly related to a lack of live experience.
Symptoms of digital autism: how to recognize it
The manifestations of excessive screen time affect several areas of development at once. Ksenia Savelyeva notes that most often parents notice social withdrawal.
— The child loses interest in live dialogue, prefers the virtual world, becomes withdrawn and emotionally "de—energized," says the psychologist.
Among the characteristic symptoms, experts identify delayed speech development, poor vocabulary, monosyllabic answers, lack of initiative in communication. Motor stereotypes often appear — rhythmic rocking, clapping, shaking hands, which occur as a reaction to sensory overload.
Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, a neurologist and expert at the Hemotest laboratory, explains that such manifestations are directly related to the loss of skills in live interaction.
— Communication through the screen does not teach the child to read facial expressions, gestures and intonations. In the real world, such children may avoid eye contact, look distant, and have difficulty maintaining a dialogue, she notes.
Complementing the picture are increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, problems with concentration, and shallow, "clip-on" thinking.
Experts call the influence of digital content on neurotransmitters one of the key mechanisms. The rapid change of images and plots causes sudden releases of dopamine, the pleasure hormone.
— With frequent repetition, the receptors lose their sensitivity. The child needs more and more intense stimulation, as with any addiction," explains Ksenia Savelyeva.
In parallel, the production of melatonin is disrupted due to the blue light of the screens, which leads to insomnia and chronic fatigue. Elevated cortisol levels support anxiety and emotional instability.
— As a result, real life seems boring, studying and socializing do not bring joy, — adds psychotherapist Roman Ustinov.
At what age is the risk particularly high?
Experts agree that the most critical period is early childhood. Ekaterina Demyanovskaya emphasizes that from birth to the age of seven, neural connections responsible for speech, emotional intelligence and social skills are formed.
— At this age, the brain is especially plastic. If live interaction is replaced by a screen, development follows a distorted scenario," explains the neurologist.
Roman Ustinov clarifies that according to international recommendations, the age from two to five years is the most vulnerable.
— It is during this period that one's own self, the ability to empathize, and communication skills are formed. Gadgets are shifting development towards a primitive desire for quick pleasures," the psychotherapist notes.
According to experts, with more than four hours of daily screen time, the risk of persistent violations increases dramatically. In the age group of 3-5 years, speech delay and the absence of an index gesture are recorded in about 70% of children with severe digital addiction. At the age of 6-8, clip thinking and the inability to read long texts are formed, and at the age of 9-12, social disorientation and signs of cyberaddiction are formed — a pathological addiction to virtual space.
Ksenia Savelyeva emphasizes that when the correction begins before the age of seven, the chances of a full recovery reach 80%. After 12 years, residual effects often persist.
— By the age of 18, some teenagers develop deep social maladaptation: about 89% experience serious difficulties in dialogue, 94% do not have friends outside the Internet, 37% develop depressive disorders, — the psychologist notes.
Is it possible to fully restore the child's development
All experts emphasize that, unlike ASD, the symptoms of "digital autism" are secondary and reversible.
— Behavior changes not because of brain damage, but because of a lack of experience. When the cause is eliminated, the skills can return," explains Demyanovskaya.
Digital hygiene is becoming a key step: strict restrictions on screen time, especially in preschool age, and the active replacement of gadgets with real activities.
— It's not enough to just pick up the phone. The free time needs to be filled with movement, games, communication, sports and creativity," Ustinov emphasizes.
Experts warn that total bans often provoke protest. Consistent rules are much more effective.
— No gadgets during meals, before going to bed, immediately after waking up and while studying. It is important to explain these boundaries, not impose them," Demyanovskaya notes.
Savelieva adds that it is important to pay attention to the atmosphere in the family.
— The child often goes to the screen not out of love for technology, but out of boredom, attention deficit or strained relationships at home, — said the psychologist.
If there is no improvement within a few months, experts recommend contacting a pediatrician, neurologist, and child psychologist to rule out organic causes and develop an individual care plan.
Why postponing a decision is dangerous
According to experts, prolonged neglect of the problem can lead to persistent learning difficulties, social isolation and deterioration of mental health in adulthood.
— This is not intimidation, but a guide to action. Every month of delay reduces the chances of a full recovery," emphasizes Ksenia Savelieva.
Experts agree that gadgets are not an absolute evil, but they require strict control at an early age. Live communication, movement, and emotional contact remain the basic conditions for a child's development, which no screen can replace.
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