Fact Check: Autistic people are more likely to watch tv than their peers

Fact Check: "Autistic people are more likely to watch TV than their peers"

What We Know

Research indicates that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to engage with television differently compared to their neurotypical peers. A study published in Acta Paediatrica found that children with ASD began watching television at a significantly earlier age than typically developing children (6.44 months vs. 12.41 months) and spent more time watching it daily (4.60 hours vs. 2.06 hours) (Chonchaiya et al., 2011) [source-1]. This suggests a higher frequency of television viewing among autistic children compared to their peers.

Additionally, another source highlights that autistic individuals might have different viewing habits, often preferring adult programs and showing less likelihood of co-viewing with caregivers compared to typically developing children (Chonchaiya et al., 2011) [source-5]. This further supports the claim that autistic individuals engage with television more than their neurotypical counterparts.

Analysis

The evidence presented in the studies is robust, particularly the findings from the 2011 study which involved a comparative analysis of television viewing habits among children with ASD, typically developing children, and those with delayed language development. The sample size of 54 individuals with ASD and 84 controls provides a solid foundation for the conclusions drawn (Chonchaiya et al., 2011) [source-1].

The reliability of the source is high, as it is published in a peer-reviewed journal and has been cited extensively in subsequent research, indicating its acceptance in the academic community. The study's methodology, which included measuring the onset and frequency of television viewing, adds to its credibility.

While some sources discuss the portrayal of autistic characters in media and the impact of media on perceptions of autism, they do not directly address viewing habits or preferences (Jones et al., 2023) [source-2]. Therefore, while they provide context on media interaction, they do not contradict the primary claim regarding viewing frequency.

Conclusion

The claim that "autistic people are more likely to watch TV than their peers" is True. The evidence from the studies indicates that children with ASD not only start watching television earlier but also watch it more frequently than their neurotypical peers. The findings are supported by reliable research, making the claim credible.

Sources

1. Comparison of television viewing between children with autism spectrum disorder and controls. PubMed
2. The Impact of an Autistic Character Media Portrayal on ... PubMed
3. Social media shaping autism perception and identity. PMC
4. Neurotypical Peers are Less Willing to Interact with Those with Autism based on Thin Slice Judgments. Nature
5. Comparison of television viewing between children with autism spectrum disorder and controls. ResearchGate
6. TV Viewing Habits in Autistic Toddlers and Children. Neurolaunch
7. A Systematic Review of the Association Between Screen Use and Sleep for Autistic Children. Springer
8. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: The Portrayal of Autism in the Media. The Science Survey