Environmental and family correlates of daily TV-watching time in children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children

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This study investigated environmental and family factors associated with daily television (TV) watching time among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children. The sample included 225 participants (65 ASD, 160 TD) aged 3 to 6 years. Data were obtained through caregiver-reported questionnaires assessing socioeconomic status (SES), indoor play spaces, family interaction during holidays, and daily electronic device usage time excluding television watching time. Regression analysis identified non-television electronic device usage time ( p < .001) and indoor space availability ( p = .012) as significant factors associated with TV watching time, while SES ( p = .095) and family interaction during holidays ( p = .072) demonstrated marginal associations. The final regression model demonstrated modest explanatory power (adjusted R ² = .11). Children with ASD watched slightly less TV daily ( M = 1.88, SD = 1.57 h) than TD children ( M = 2.03, SD = 1.26 h). Greater family interaction during holidays was associated with lower TV watching time among children with ASD, suggesting a potential role of structured family engagement in supporting healthier TV watching habits. Lower SES and limited indoor play spaces were associated with longer TV watching time. These findings support existing WHO recommendations regarding limiting screen exposure in young children. This study highlights the potential importance of family involvement and environmental factors in shaping TV watching behaviours, particularly among children with ASD, and supports the need for targeted strategies to encourage healthier media habits.