Determination of parental experiences and opinions on screen addiction in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study aims to determine parental experiences and perspectives regarding screen addiction in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A phenomenological (qualitative) research design was employed in the study. The participants of the research consist of parents of children diagnosed with ASD living in Eskişehir and its surrounding areas. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling method, and a total of 12 parents were included in the study. The maximum variation sampling technique was used to ensure a broad perspective by selecting individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds, educational levels, and family structures. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the parents of individuals diagnosed with ASD. The findings of the study reveal both the positive and negative effects of screen use on communication skills, social interaction, and emotional regulation in individuals with ASD. Parents reported encountering various risk factors in the process of their children's development of screen addiction and shared the challenges they faced in managing screen time as well as the strategies they employed. Furthermore, it was emphasized that parental attitudes play a crucial role in managing screen addiction and that there is a significant need for individualized intervention methods. In conclusion, this study aims to provide recommendations for managing screen addiction in individuals with ASD based on parental experiences.