NEW YORK, Jan 10: A recent study led by researchers at Drexel University suggests a connection between screen time before the age of 2 and sensory differences later in toddlerhood. Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the research indicates that children exposed to television or DVDs at 12 months are twice as likely to experience "atypical sensory processing" by 36 months compared to their peers. Additionally, each extra hour of screen exposure per day after 18 months is associated with a 20% increased likelihood of sensory processing differences.

The study, analyzing 1,500 caregiver surveys on sensory preferences, focused solely on children who watched television, not smartphones or tablets, due to data collection limitations before 2014. Sensory processing issues encompass various challenges, from discomfort in clothes to handling stimuli differently than peers.

Dr. Karen Heffler, lead author of the study and an associate psychiatry professor at Drexel University, became interested in this research after her son's autism diagnosis. The study contributes valuable data on screen time for very young children, particularly those under one year.

Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation against screen time for children under 2, and a 1-hour daily limit for ages 2 to 5, research indicates that a majority of children under 5 exceed these guidelines. Experts caution against directly attributing screen time to sensory differences, acknowledging the complexities of child development.

Dr. Emily Myers, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician, notes that non-interactive screen time can limit opportunities for self-regulation skills but emphasizes the role of pre-existing sensory differences. Home and family environments also play a crucial role, with screen time sometimes reflecting underlying issues affecting a child's development.

While the Drexel study associates screen time with sensory differences, it does not draw direct links to conditions like ADHD or autism. However, past studies have shown that children with these conditions tend to experience sensory differences.

Dr. Jade Cobern, a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins, emphasizes the potential impact of sensory differences on a child's experience. If sensory differences interfere with meaningful engagement or cause distress, negative impacts are a concern.

In advising parents on reducing screen time, experts acknowledge the challenge in a world where screens are omnipresent. They recommend a holistic approach, addressing barriers like lack of affordable alternative activities, parental fatigue, and burnout. A focus on promoting relationships and healthy developmental activities is key, recognizing that a balanced approach is essential in navigating the modern ubiquity of screens in daily life.