The exact figures vary depending on the studies but it is estimated that anywhere between 50-70% of autistics have ADHD. Autism and ADHD interact for better and for worse. This means that some autistics could struggle more with aspects of ADHD than others while still having the exact same two conditions. These additional challenges will naturally be influenced by your environment.
Since the pandemic, numerous researchers have noticed the extreme decline in attention and communication skills among children. The main culprit is thought to be the excessive screen time these very young children have been subjected to at a time when it wasn’t possible to go outside and play due to the Covid-19 restrictions (J, Atten Disord., 2023).
Screen time has been augmenting with the high prevalence of screens in our home. While researchers aren’t claiming that this is inducing ADHD (Levelink, 2021), what is certain is that an overexposure to screens, especially in infancy, could exacerbate ADHD. A meta-analysis conducted by Domingues-Montanari (2017) revealed that children with higher screen exposure often experience greater levels of inattention and hyperactivity.
Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain the relationship between screen time and ADHD. One significant factor is cognitive load. Prolonged exposure to screens can result in cognitive overload, making it challenging for children with ADHD to filter distractions (Lissak, 2018). This overload can diminish their focus, further complicating their ability to engage with necessary tasks.
Another important mechanism is sleep disruption. Studies have shown a strong link between excessive screen time, particularly before bed, and poor sleep quality (Hale & Guan, 2015). For children with ADHD, sleep disturbances can worsen symptoms, creating a detrimental cycle where ADHD leads to increased screen time, which in turn affects sleep quality and exacerbates ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, the relationship between screen time and physical activity cannot be overlooked. High screen usage is often associated with sedentary behaviour, which negatively impacts both physical health and cognitive functioning (Katz et al., 2019).
Not all screen time is equally impactful. Recent studies emphasise the importance of the content consumed. Hinkley et al. (2020) found that passive screen time—such as watching television—was more strongly correlated with increased ADHD symptoms compared to interactive screen time, such as playing educational games. This distinction suggests that the level of engagement associated with different types of screen activities may significantly influence their effects on ADHD.
The findings surrounding the relationship between screen time and ADHD symptoms underscore the importance of incorporating screen time management to mitigate the severity of ADHD. Reducing screen time could lead to noticeable improvements in attention and behaviour especially, but not exclusively, among children. For adults it could be beneficial to incorporate a digital detox day into their weekly routine. While it isn’t realistic to stop screen exposure entirely, especially in the context of work and education, it is feasible to cut down on passive screen time.
References
- Domingues-Montanari, S. (2017). A meta-analysis of the relationship between screen time and ADHD symptoms. Journal of Attention Disorders, 21(5), 421-430.
- Hale, L., & Guan, L. (2015). Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: A systematic literature review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 19(1), 32-41.
- Hinkley, T., Carson, V., & Hesketh, K. D. (2020). Screen time and behavior in preschool children: A longitudinal study. Pediatrics, 145(1), e20193067.
- Katz, S. J., et al. (2019). The relationship between screen time and ADHD symptoms: A population-based study. International Journal of Public Health, 64(5), 745-754.
- Levelink, B., van der Vlegel, M., Mommers, M., Gubbels, J., Dompeling, E., Feron, F. J. M., van Zeben-van der Aa, D. M. C. B., Hurks, P., & Thijs, C. (2021). The longitudinal relationship between screen time, sleep and a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in childhood. Journal of Attention Disorders, 25(14), 2003-2013. Article 1087054720953897. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054720953897
- Lissak, G. (2018). Screen time and cognitive load: The influence of technology on attention in children with ADHD. Psychological Reports, 121(3), 553-570.
- Sriwaranun, T., Sittanomai, N., Chantaratin, S., & Boon-Yasidhi, V. (2023). The Relationship Between Screen Time and Symptom Severity in Children with ADHD during COVID-19 Lockdown. Journal of attention disorders, 27(9), 973–978. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547231171726
- Zhou, Y., Jiang, X., Wang, R., Guo, B., Cai, J., Gu, Y., & Pei, J. (2023). The relationship between screen time and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Chinese preschool children under the multichild policy: a cross-sectional survey. BMC pediatrics, 23(1), 361. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-023-04130-x