As digital education becomes more prevalent in children’s education, the question on everybody’s mind is screen time’s impact on language development, especially for children with autism. For these children, language development is often a key area of focus in therapy, and technology can be a great supporter depending on how it is utilized.
For children with autism, social interaction is already a challenge, and too much passive screen time can exacerbate these difficulties. According to Sabzevari et al. (2023), extended periods of passive consumption, such as watching television or videos, can further isolate children, reducing the opportunities they have to engage in verbal exchanges. Communication requires interaction, and children with autism need more frequent and structured opportunities to practice these skills (McAllister & Miller, 2013).
How Technology Can Support Speech Therapy
On the other hand, when used strategically, screen time can enhance the language development process for children with autism. Phippen (2015) explains that speech therapy apps, particularly those designed with interactivity in mind, can help children reinforce what they’ve learned during their therapy sessions. For example, SpeechBuddy provides goal driven questions that require children to respond verbally, giving them a chance to practice communication in a safe, controlled environment. AI-driven tools in speech therapy adapt to individual needs, providing personalized exercises targeting specific language deficits (Sabzevari et al., 2023) SpeechBuddy, for instance, integrates interests from online media into therapy sessions, making learning both fun and authentic to your child.
Creating a Healthy Balance
While screen time can offer significant benefits, it should always be balanced with real-world communication. Parents should use screen time as a tool to supplement speech therapy, not as a replacement for human interaction. Interactive apps can reinforce language skills, but children with autism still need opportunities to engage with others in meaningful ways (Backus & Beasley, 1951).
Steps for Effective Use of Screen Time
🧩 Use apps that prompt verbal responses and mimic real-life social situations.
🎮 Set time limits to prevent screen time from becoming the dominant activity.
🎓 Use screen time to reinforce lessons from speech therapy, turning technology into a complementary educational tool.
By creating a thoughtful balance between technology and face-to-face interaction, you can support your child’s language development in a balanced and thoughtful way, leveraging the best aspects of modern technology without compromising their progress.
References
Backus, O. L. (1951). Speech therapy with children. Houghton Mifflin.
McAllister, J., & Miller, J. (2013). Introductory linguistics for speech and language therapy practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Phippen, G. (Ed.). (2015). Speech therapy in cleft palate and velopharyngeal dysfunction. J & R Press Limited.
Sabzevari, F., Amelirad, O., Moradi, Z., & Habibi, M. (2023). Artificial intelligence evaluation of COVID-19 restrictions and speech therapy effects on the autistic children’s behavior. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 4312–4312. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-25902-y
Tags: Autism Speech Therapy, Impact of Screen Time on Language Development, Speech Therapy Apps for Autism, Interactive Learning for Autistic Children, AI in Speech Therapy, Screen Time Benefits for Autism, Balancing Screen Time and Interaction #Technology in Autism Education, Speech Development Tools, Personalized Speech Therapy
