Characterizing Changes in Screen Time During the Covid-19 Pandemic School Closures in Canada and Its Perceived Impact on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15516596
AutoresRobyn E Cardy (0000-0003-0733-3732, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital), Annie Dupuis (0000-0002-8704-078X, University of Toronto), Evdokia Anagnostou (0000-0002-3455-9887, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital), Justine Ziolkowski (Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital), Elaine Biddiss (0000-0001-5369-2934, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital), Elaine A Biddiss, Suneeta Monga (0000-0002-1068-3920, University of Toronto), Jessica Brian (0000-0001-8181-4353, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital), Melanie Penner (0000-0002-8376-9768, University of Toronto), Azadeh Kushki (0000-0003-1510-8818, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, autor correspondente)
Ano2021
Volume12
Páginas702774-702774
Data de publicação2021-08-18
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
EditoraFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2021.702774
PMID34483995
OpenAlexW3194182583
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas8
Referências citadas43

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in screen time for children and families. Traditionally, screen time has been associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes, and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of these outcomes. The primary objectives of this study were to (1) characterize the change in screen time during COVID-19 school closures for children with ASD, and (2) examine the parent perceived impact of screen time on mental health and quality of life of children and their families. Canadian parents and caregivers of children 19 years of age and younger were eligible to participate in an anonymous, online survey study. This survey was available in English, consisted of 28 questions, took ~10-min to complete, and was available for 6 weeks (May 22 through July 6, 2020). The total sample consisted of 414 responses (ASD: n = 127, mean age = 11.7 ± 4.06 years; community sample: n = 287, mean age = 9.4 ± 4.26 years). Seventy-one respondents were missing responses to our primary question and removed from the analyses (final sample n = 344). Compared to the community sample, the ASD group had a significantly higher screen time use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic school closures [weekdays: difference = 1.14 (SE = 0.18), t = 6.56, p t = 6.93, p p p p = 0.040; mental health OR = 1.9 (95% CI 1.1-3.1), corrected p = 0.0028]. Parents' most frequently endorsed emotions toward screen time were guilt, frustration, and worry. Results of this survey study revealed that children with ASD were less likely to benefit from screen time to cope with social isolation, and screen time resulted in significantly more lost time on social interactions than the community sample, which may exacerbate difficulties in social domains. Given the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the novel context of technology use, the findings of this study highlight the need for revision of screen time recommendations to reflect the current needs of children and families

Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Mental health · Pandemic · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Psychiatry · Screen time · Child Development and Digital Technology · Demography · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Medicine · Psychology · Technology Use by Older Adults