Patterns and impact of technology use in autistic children

Autistic children and youth spend a significant amount of their time interacting with technology, however, the characterization of use remains sparse. The objectives of this study were to 1) characterise the patterns and purpose of technology use among autistic children compared to non-autistic children, 2) explore the impact of how technology use affects child and family well-being, and 3) examine parents’ attitudes towards childrens’ technology use. A 44-question anonymous parent-report survey developed in consultation with families of autistic children and clinicians was available online for 22 months, from April 2018 through February 2020. Parents and caregivers of children 19-years-old and younger were eligible to complete the survey. 611 survey responses were collected (autism group = 407; community group = 204). The autism group exhibited greater technology use across all time points of interest, with tablets being the most frequently used device type. The autism group was also more likely to use technology for therapeutic and recreational activities. The autism group experienced more positive impacts on quality of life and benefited more in areas of social, motor, language, and emotion regulation skills from technology use than the community group. Parents of older children, males, and those in the autism group were more likely to report displaced socialising with technology use. Positive attitudes were more likely to be reported by parents of autistic children and younger children, whereas negative feelings were more likely to be reported by parents of older and male children. The study findings must be interpreted within the context of several limitations, including the size and representativeness of the sample, potential for bias from parent-report, and limitations in the survey design (closed-ended questions). Autistic children exhibited more technology use than non-autistic children. Parental perceptions of impact were highly mixed, and included potential benefits for recreation and supports. Implications for technology developers and clinical practitioners are discussed.