In this digital age, the growing concern for toddlers is Virtual world and there virtual Involvements, which is causing Virtual Autism. With the advancement of technology, it has become an integral part of our lives, but at the same time, it is important for everyone to understand its negative impact on children. In today’s blog, we’ll cover important aspects related to virtual autism, its symptoms, causes, and tips to treat it. Let’s get started:
What is Virtual Autism?
Virtual autism is considered a negative impact of excessive screen time on the development of toddlers. It is a condition that can be easily seen in young children under the age of two as they are excessively exposed to screens. Kids who are over-exposed to screen time on laptops, TV, and phones under the age of three, often face communication problems and social interaction issues.
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What are Virtual Autism Symptoms?
Virtual autism arises exclusively from a child’s excessive screen exposure. Reducing symptoms may involve detaching them from screen isolation, serving as a key indicator of virtual autism. It’s important to note that virtual autism doesn’t imply that the child is autistic, rather, it indicates the presence of autism-like features. The following are virtual autism symptoms:
a) Hyperactivity – Common in virtual autism, children become unusually active, leading to attention problems and difficulty concentrating on tasks.
b) Inability to pay attention – Children with virtual autism may struggle with paying attention, easily getting distracted.
c) Speech Delay – Toddlers with virtual autism may experience difficulty speaking or abruptly stop speaking after initially starting.
d) Lack of social interaction – Virtual autistic children display disinterest in responding to others, affecting their social skills.
e) Lack of interest in play activities – Children with virtual autism may show less interest in play activities and prefer screen engagement over playing with others.
f) Irritability and mood swings – Excessive screen time in young children, considered virtual autism, can adversely impact mood and behaviour, similar to the effects experienced by adults spending too much time on screens.
What are the Causes of Virtual Autism?
- Lack of chances for little kids to talk, play, and be with others in person can slow down their learning of important social skills and emotions, making virtual Autism more likely.
- Less time playing and being outdoors messes with your toddler’s senses, affecting how they grow and making them more at risk for virtual Autism.
- Using screens too much around your toddler shows them habits that aren’t good and can add to the chances of virtual Autism.
Research shows that giving young kids too much screen time can negatively impact their mental health. Nowadays, children around the world spend more time with screens than kids in the past. According to the studies, kids from earlier generations were more social compared to today’s kids.
Whether in richer or poorer communities, young children are often seen using electronic screens in various places like restaurants, malls, playgrounds, and schools. This might be because parents, who are busy, also spend a lot of time in the digital world.
Studies reveal a connection between increased screen time, specific neurons, and a decrease in a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This link is associated with problems in behaviour, language development, and other issues in kids.
Tips to Treat Virtual Autism in Toddlers
The following are a few tips to treat virtual autism:
- Reducing Screen Time
It is essential to keep a close eye on your child’s screen exposure. Cutting down on screen time encourages the child to focus on developing skills and participating in creative activities, boosting their confidence to explore the world.
- Positive Encouragement and Rewards
Children like positive affirmations and rewards. Setting goals and offering incentives for good behaviour, like reducing screen time, can be one of the best and most effective ways to bring about positive changes in the child’s daily routine.
- Involving the Child in Various Activities
Constantly watching TV can hinder a child’s development. Parents can introduce physical activities or playtime with peers, helping the child learn about teamwork and social interaction.
- Quality Time Together
Building and nurturing a strong bond between parents and children is essential for overall child growth. Spending quality time, engaging in activities like playing board games, telling bedtime stories, and going for walks, strengthens the parent-child relationship.
Virtual Autism Recovery Time
The recovery time for virtual autism relies on several factors, including the severity of virtual autism symptoms, consistent implementation of suggested strategies, and individual responsiveness to interventions. Moreover, it is important to seek help from expert professionals and developmental specialists to have a clear understanding of recovery time.
Virtual Autism Recovery Signs
The signs of virtual autism recovery decrease when screen time is eliminated or limited. Once the kid starts spending time with parents or caregivers and avoids using gadgets or electronic devices, then it can be said that the kid is recovering from virtual autism.
Conclusion
It is vital to identify symptoms of virtual autism as soon as possible and at earliest of child’s life to get possible early treatment to reduce the signs & symptoms. You can also get in touch with Bright Horizons Child Development Centre, where you will get possible treatment plans to help your child and get rid of virtual autism.
You can call us or WhatsApp for More Details @ our Customer Care Number +91-9800-9900-88
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