Abstract
Anecdotal reports indicate that individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are often preoccupied with television, computers,
and video games (screen-based media). However, few studies have examined this issue. The current study examined screen-based
media use among a large, nationally representative sample of youths participating in the National Longitudinal Transition
Study—2 (NLTS2). The majority of youths with ASD (64.2%) spent most of their free time using non-social media (television,
video games), while only 13.2% spent time on social media (email, internet chatting). Compared with other disability groups
(speech/language impairments, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities), rates of non-social media use were higher
among the ASD group, and rates of social media use were lower. Demographic and symptom-specific correlates were also examined.
and video games (screen-based media). However, few studies have examined this issue. The current study examined screen-based
media use among a large, nationally representative sample of youths participating in the National Longitudinal Transition
Study—2 (NLTS2). The majority of youths with ASD (64.2%) spent most of their free time using non-social media (television,
video games), while only 13.2% spent time on social media (email, internet chatting). Compared with other disability groups
(speech/language impairments, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities), rates of non-social media use were higher
among the ASD group, and rates of social media use were lower. Demographic and symptom-specific correlates were also examined.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1413-8
- Authors
- Micah O. Mazurek, Department of Health Psychology, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, 205 Portland Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Paul T. Shattuck, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Mary Wagner, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Benjamin P. Cooper, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257