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. 2024 Dec 15:10:20552076241304885.
doi: 10.1177/20552076241304885. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.

Assessing technology usage in relation to the quality of life of autistic children

Cristina Costescu  1 , Ioana Tufar  1 , Laura Chezan  2 , Mălina Șogor  1 , Alexandra Confederat  1
Affiliations

Assessing technology usage in relation to the quality of life of autistic children

Cristina Costescu et al. Digit Health. .

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and duration of technology use by autistic children, their primary activities when engaging with technology, and the association between technology use and quality of life. We assumed that technology serves as a means of communication with peers, and it is associated with an improved quality of life.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 61 parents of autistic children aged 5-10 years old. The Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Scale was used to measure children's quality of life based on parent report, and the Technology Use Scale was used to measure the amount of time spent using technology and its purpose. Data collected were analyzed to identify correlations between technology use and quality of life.

Results: Findings indicate that autistic children primarily use technology for relaxation purposes and a smaller proportion of children in the sample used technology for socialization. A positive correlation was found between technology use for social interactions and higher parental perceptions of quality of life. These findings suggest that while social use of technology is less frequent, it is associated with improved well-being.

Conclusions: We concluded that technology use among autistic children is predominantly for leisure activities; however, when used for socialization, it is linked to a better perceived quality of life. Future research should further explore the specific benefits and potential risks of technology use for communication and socialization in autistic children. Additionally, the efficacy of technology-based interventions in improving social skills and overall well-being should be evaluated.

Keywords: Screen time; autistic children; interpersonal relationships; quality of life; technology use.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Time spent using technology, purpose of usage, and type of device used by autistic children (y axis: number of children; x axis: type of technology).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Types of activities while using technologies and the frequency of usage (y axis: type of activity; x axis: hours of usage per day).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Emotions experienced by parents when their children were using technology (y axis: number of children; x axis: emotions using technology).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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