In Honor of Black History Month
February 3, 2026
Executive Function Skills: Managing and Organizing Life
February 24, 2026
Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?
By Carol S. Siege, PCC
Founder, Family Pathways Coaching, LLC
It’s cold in the Northeast right now. Really cold. And when it’s cold out, it’s harder and maybe less pleasant to be outdoors, away from our screens. So what happens to our kids – in particular our neurodiverse children – when they are glued to the couch and even more likely than usual to turn to their screens for entertainment, information, and company?
Throughout time, new forms of entertainment have often elicited backlash. Even books were once seen as a threat to a child’s wellbeing. Clergy, parents, and politicians all warned against the dangers imposed on children who were inside reading instead of outside moving their bodies. So while we may find differences in the reach and content of today’s social media compared to the books being published in the 1780’s, the fears are familiar.
Read on for help discerning between too much and just enough screen time, and how to use technology to support your child’s development, rather than impede it.
- Screen time: Is it harming my child’s development?
Current research is clear that screen time does not cause ADHD, autism, or any other neurodivergent condition. In fact, depending on the child, their age, and their needs, screens can be helpful. Whether screens help or hurt, though, depends on how much, for what purpose, and in what way they are being used. Is the child spending hours online to avoid ever interacting with peers? Or are they finding like-minded friends? Is the child awake till the wee hours, not realizing they’ve watched videos for the past three hours? Or do cute dog reels soothe them before bed?
- How much screen time is too much for a neurodiverse child?
Screen time becomes excessive when it starts crowding out life’s necessities. “Too much” can look like too little sleep, physical activity that has dropped off precipitously, no interest in any off-line activities, or lost relationships. Another sign to watch for: emotional dysregulation after time spent online. If every time your child plays an online game they fall apart afterward, they may be pushing the boundaries of what their body can tolerate. Healthy development requires balance, and warning signs can be elusive when they creep up slowly. Watch for patterns instead.
- Do screens help my child regulate or prevent them from learning to self-regulate?
For some neurodivergent kids, time spent online can offer structure, predictability, and comfort. Screens can help kids calm down after an exhausting day at school or transition to a new environment. Your autistic child, for example, may benefit from playing quietly online when they first arrive at Grandma’s house before sitting
down for a crowded noisy meal. The key is the learning that goes along with this strategy. Your child needs to know the rule beforehand: One game when we get to Grandma’s house so you can acclimate, and then the game goes away and we say hello.
- Does screen time worsen attention, anxiety, or emotional regulation?
There are times and ways screen time can worsen typical symptoms of ADHD, autism or anxiety. Video images, for example, that are very fast paced and highly stimulating or have abrupt transitions can lead to emotional dysregulation. Additionally, screen time can cause problems when kids are missing sleep or they’re using time online as their only coping mechanism, avoiding rather than dealing with their feelings. That said, screen time that is paced, predictable, and part of a balanced routine can support regulation and focus.
- How do I set realistic limits for my child?
Meltdowns and power struggles are not unfamiliar to parents of neurodiverse kids. When setting limits, kids need to know what to expect and then learn to tolerate any discomfort that comes when rules are enforced. Whether it’s turning off the television before bed, ending a playdate, or finishing an online game, kids need to know the rules in advance. Be clear about expectations and boundaries and don’t waver. Your child will only learn to accept the limits if expectations are clear and controlled, offered with patience and predictability.
Screens are part of our modern world; we accept this reality. They are used in school and at work, for entertainment and for learning. Understanding how screens affect our neurodiverse children doesn’t have to mean negative judgement. Instead, we can use screens as tools to help our children thrive.
If you’re challenged by screen time tantrums, reach out. As a certified professional coach with an expertise working with neurodivergent families, I can help you understand your child, yourself, and how to make peace with an online world.
