Screen-induced Developmental Deviation is not Autism: Recalibrating Virtual Autism

Abstract

The term “Virtual Autism (VA)” has recently gained popularity and is often understood as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) caused by excessive screen exposure. However, this condition is neither virtual nor autism. It involves certain developmental features that may resemble ASD, but does not meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis. The use of VA can create unnecessary stress, confusion, and stigma for families of newly diagnosed children. To address this concern, a more neutral, hopeful, and scientifically appropriate term, “Screen-induced Developmental Deviation (SiDD)” is proposed. SiDD is a proposed construct describing atypical neurodevelopmental trajectories associated with excessive or developmentally inappropriate screen exposure. This terminology is self-explanatory and avoids both over-sensitizing and underestimating the relationship between screen exposure and developmental outcomes. Early identification of SiDD followed by decrease or cessation of screen time and affective parent child interaction can lead to improvement in developmental outcome.