Virtual Autism and Other Screen Disorders

This book explores the pervasive impact of technology on the developing brains of young people. There is a growing body of research documenting ‘autistic’ like behaviours in children and adolescents as a function of their exposure to screen-based technologies. Contemporary research by the authors and others suggest that the omnipotence of screen devices with their 24/7 media rich environments are shaping young minds with long term outcomes that are potentially detrimental to several aspects of development. Moreover, given the rise in dominance of online social platforms in increasingly more aspects of day-to-day lives, it is important that society understand the generational impacts of screen-based social platforms. Importantly, the book also posits that questions need to be raised regarding the developmental trajectory of future generations who will be at the forefront of reshaping the social norms and expectations of society while offering a pathway to mitigate any developmental deficits.