Supplementary files_ASR and VU.xlsx

Screen media acts as a fundamental aspect in the daily lives of children with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This systematic review evaluated and assembled articles on ASDs about excessive screen exposure and screen time. Nine electronic databases (i.e., Medline, Embase, ERIC/Proquest, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and EBM Reviews - Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception to Dec 2024. The general inclusion criteria were studies conducted on children and youths with ASDs. Of the 1307 unique articles screened after the early search, 12 research studies carried out on 124,913 participants altogether, fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The ASD symptoms were evaluated using various assessment measures. The three main themes discussed findings related to ASD and screen time as a trigger: withdrawal of screen time, and genetic predisposition. The empirical evidence has highlighted the significant increase in early childhood excessive screen exposure and various negative cognitive and behavioural consequences among children, showing the importance of a refined understanding of early and excessive exposure to digital devices and screens. The results are encouraging but need validation and refinement by more empirical investigations.