A Child with Autism is Obsessed with Mobile Devices

Many modern children begin using their tablets and smartphones as soon as they get a free moment. It is often difficult to convince them to spend more time on games or engage in “live” communication with parents and peers. Many children with autism tend to exhibit this behavior more frequently, which, in some cases, can have a positive impact on them.

Mobile devices can bring both benefits and harms for children with autism, and it’s essential to understand that their fascination with gadgets has both psychological and neurobiological reasons.

Benefits of Mobile Devices for Children with Autism

• Non-verbal or minimally verbal children with autism can use apps for alternative communication, simplifying the expression of thoughts and needs.
• Text messages and social media interactions can reduce the stress of direct communication.
• Educational apps help develop new skills, including reading, math, and logic.
• Specialized resources and games can deepen narrow interests, allowing quick and effortless access to information on topics of interest.
• Apps with calming music or visual effects help combat sensory overload.
• Games that require repetition of the same actions can serve as a form of self-stimulatory behavior, helping reduce anxiety.
• Calendars, timers, and reminders create predictability, while digital schedules in apps reduce stress from unexpected changes.
• Mobile devices offer a controlled, structured environment, lowering anxiety caused by unpredictable social situations.
• Tablets and smartphones are useful for those with hypo- or hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, as they allow users to choose a comfortable mode of operation.
• Online communities allow communication in a comfortable setting, helping to avoid anxiety triggered by real-life interactions.
• Many children with autism struggle with planning, shifting attention, and impulse control. Mobile devices are attractive because they offer simple, step-by-step, often repetitive structures for interaction.
• Virtual simulators can help practice social scenarios (e.g., recognizing emotions).

Precautions When Using Gadgets

However, some precautions need to be taken when using mobile devices.

• Bright lights, loud sounds, or flickering advertisements (especially if they frequently appear on the screen) may cause sensory discomfort.
• Excessive engagement in games or videos can lead to fatigue and overstimulation.
• Replacing real-life communication with virtual interactions can slow the development of social skills.
• Online bullying or misunderstanding the hidden rules of online communication can increase stress levels.
• Excessive use of devices may lead to sedentary behavior, poor posture, and deterioration of eyesight.
• Blue light from screens disrupts sleep patterns, especially if devices are used right before bedtime.
• If a child begins to view the device as their primary source of pleasure and positive emotions, its absence may cause increased anxiety.
• A narrow circle of interests may become even more limited if most of the child’s free time is spent focusing on the screen.
• Uncontrolled access to inappropriate content (e.g., violence, aggression) may traumatize or trigger undesirable behavior.

Steps to Mitigate Risks

To avoid these issues, it is important to:

• Provide an individual approach that takes into account the child’s sensory preferences and interests.
• Set time limits for device usage — use parental controls and timers for breaks.
• Discuss content together, choose appropriate apps, and balance digital and real-world activities.
• Offer alternatives such as physical activity, creativity, and communication in a safe environment.

Mobile devices and technologies are becoming increasingly advanced and widespread as they help solve many tasks. However, they cannot address the root cause of the diverse problems faced by individuals with autism — the neurodevelopmental disorder itself. Currently, cellular therapy offers the most promising solution for overcoming autism, providing quick and safe results.

Cellular Therapy: An Innovative Solution

Cellular therapy involves the transplantation of stem cells, which have the unique ability to transform into any other specialized cells that make up all tissues. In this process, defective cells that transmit distorted information are identified and replaced with healthy analogs. This “swap” helps the brain and nervous system process incoming information more effectively and react appropriately. Additionally, this therapy stabilizes behavior, accelerates general development, and promotes the faster formation of individual skills. Symptoms of the disorder become less pronounced or completely disappear, and these changes often last a lifetime, improving the effectiveness of corrective measures.

Cellular therapy, once experimental, is now widely accepted and could become the primary method for addressing autism and its symptoms. Leading clinics worldwide, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, have extensive successful experience in performing stem cell transplants. Highly skilled doctors, along with state-of-the-art equipment, ensure the best possible therapeutic outcomes. The cost of treatment is lower than in other countries with advanced healthcare systems, and the center also offers assistance with trip planning and other related matters, such as accommodation during the rehabilitation period.

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