Understanding Virtual Autism: The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Children's Development

As smartphones and virtual worlds become more immersive, the lines between reality and fantasy are blurring. Imagine a world where children grow up with AI-powered friends, augmented reality classrooms and digital playmates.

Sounds like science fiction, right? But what if this world is already here, and we are just starting to see the consequences?It’s common for new parents to give their kids mobile phones to just keep them occupied so that they can get some moment of peace. However, before they even realise, the glowing screens are quietly reshaping the child’s ability to connect with the real world. This is where virtual autism comes to play.

Virtual autism is a condition which causes developmental delays in children under the age of five due to excessive screen exposure and lack of real-world social interaction.

It leads to a set of behaviours that mimics autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms like speech delays, social withdrawal, communication challenges and sometimes poor emotional regulation.Dr Siddharth Sinha, senior consultant, neuro psychiatrist in Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (Rinpas), said, “Virtual autism became a phenomenon back in 2017 when children, even as early as six-eight months old, who were exposed to smartphones, suddenly started to develop speech delays.

Cases started increasing after the onset of Covid-19 when children were given gadgets to keep them occupied or for educational purposes, making them learn the functionalities in a short span of time.

”“Gaming disorder or mobile game addiction is also a serious problem observed in children aged between 12 and 18 years of age. The second is internet addiction disorder. When teenagers or toddlers are endlessly scrolling on their phones, they are slowly developing a brain rot without even realising.

Brain rot is basically cognitive decline leading to decreased focus due to prolonged consumption of content on social media.

This can slowly cause insomnia, depression and anxiety,” he added.According to Dr Sinha, Rinpas OPD witnesses 10-15 cases every week related to internet addiction disorder, and gaming disorder associated with depression, anxiety, insomnia, behavioural abnormalities, etc. “We also get virtual autism cases almost every day.

We get the kid’s IQ examination done which helps us to do the diagnosis.”Apart from behavioural challenges, virtual autism and phone addiction can also lead to physical health implications. Children these days trade playgrounds for mobile screens. The joys of fresh air, outdoor play and physical activity have been replaced by mobile screens. Dr Amitabh Kumar, paediatrician at New Born and Child Specialist Clinic, Ranchi, said, “Excessive screen time directly affects a child’s physical health.

From early years, when mobiles are used during feeding, children develop habits of sitting idle, overeating subconsciously, while losing focus. This leads to poor motor skills, obesity and sometimes even malnutrition. A child’s balanced growth and healthy development requires limited screen time, active play, and real interactions.”Priya Das, a resident of Jamshedpur, said, “My seven-year old child started developing stuttering problems; he was badly addicted to the mobile.

We have tried speech therapy and while there has been some improvement, the issue has not been completely resolved. My child continues to face stuttering difficulties, which affect daily communication and confidence. I only hope with time and treatment his confidence will increase.

” Another parent, Satish Tiwari, a resident of Kanke, said, “My son is highly addicted to the phone. Being shy by nature, he now avoids interacting with family or friends and does not share his thoughts or feelings.

Instead of studying, he prefers spending time on the screen, which deeply concerns me as a parent.”According to psychiatrists, the symptoms of virtual autism starts with delayed speech, struggling to make eye contact followed by behavioural anomalies like crying or getting aggressive or overwhelmed when kept away from the mobile phone. Appearing bored/zoned out, avoiding interaction with other children, ignoring instructions or being inattentive are other symptoms.Dr Sinha said, “First, parents need to be more aware about the consequences of screen exposure. They must engage more with the child instead of handing over gadgets to them. Limiting screen time is also very important. However, we recommend to not let your child touch a mobile before the age of eight.”Psychiatrist at Neuropsychiatry and Drug De-addiction Centre Dr Pawan Kumar Barnwal, said, “Phone and gaming addiction lead children to withdraw from their family and friends, which sometimes pushes them towards harmful decisions.

Physically, children become weak, immunity drops, and social isolation increases. Common signs include irritability, aggression, lack of interest in studies, disturbed sleep, and reduced outdoor play.

Children often avoid conversations, and isolate themselves socially.”Dr Barnwal added, “For example, a 14-year-old boy was brought to us by his parents. He had become silent, avoided school, stopped playing with friends, and spent nights on the phone.

His routine and behaviour completely changed. After proper screening and counseling, we identified excessive screen use as the main cause.”Dr Nishant Goyal, professor of psychiatry cum in-charge at the Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), said, “Although virtual autism is not yet a medically classified disorder, the number of children showing symptoms is steadily rising.

Paediatricians and psychiatrists across India are reporting more cases where children demonstrate language and social delays due to excessive screen exposure.

At Ranchi’s child development clinic alone, one or two children with traits resembling virtual autism, are reported every day.”“The trend has become more pronounced after the pandemic. During lockdowns, with parents managing work-from-home and household pressures, mobile phones and tablets became an easy distraction tool for children.

What started as a necessity turned into dependency, leaving many toddlers today unable to interact or express themselves. This post-pandemic surge has made virtual autism a pressing concern for both families and healthcare professionals,” he added.Anamika Singh, another parent, and a resident of Ranchi, said, “The real problem with phone addiction is that one doesn’t even realise how much time has been wasted until hours are gone.

My six-year-old niece is addicted to her phone, she prefers staying alone. Children now prefer screens over outdoor play or family interactions, and this is making them more isolated. If parents themselves remain glued to mobiles, they set the same pattern for kids.

”Apart from home, schools must also play an active role in spreading awareness about phone addiction and virtual autism through awareness campaigns, workshops and digital literacy programmes.

This can help promote healthy digital habits among students.“Teachers should be trained to identify early signs of screen addiction. Regular counseling sessions can help. Schools can also hold awareness drives, involve psychologists, and guide parents on limiting screen time,” Dr Barnwal said.