Objective: Previous studies suggest that psychiatric disorders are associated with problematic use of screen media. This article systematically reviews the literature on the associations between screen media and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The review uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Method: Electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2018, using the term “ASD/autism” along with one of the following terms: “screen time”/“media”/“computer”/“phone”/“television”/“video game.” Results: A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies support the view that children and adolescents with ASD are exposed to more screen time than their typically developing peers or other clinical groups and that the exposure starts at a younger age. The content and context of screen use (e.g., with parents vs alone) may affect the behaviors associated with media exposure. Correlates and long-term consequences of early screen exposure (before the age of 3 years) remain largely unexamined. Conclusion: The current review provides important information about how ASD is associated with screen use and exposure. Future longitudinal research should examine the impact of early screen exposure on child development while accounting for potential moderating environmental factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, parent-child relationship). This will help determine whether—and if so, how much—exposure is detrimental and allow appropriate recommendations and interventions related to screen time among children with ASD.

To assess head circumference in children with autism, 148 charts were retrospectively reviewed. All of the children met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III or DSM-III-R) criteria for autism and had no known underlying condition that might affect head circumference. In addition, data were collected regarding height, weight, brain imaging, cognitive development, adaptive behavior, and language. The children were divided into two groups: those with head circumference at or above the 98th percentile (Group 1) and those with head circumference below the 98th percentile (Group 2). Group 1 consisted of 27 (18.2%) of the children. Height measurements were significantly higher in Group 1 as compared with Group 2 (P = .0006) as were weight measurements (P = .0003). Group 1 had a significantly lower percentage of females (P = .04) and lower adaptive behavior scores (P = .0067) than Group 2. Routine brain imaging studies could not explain the macrocephaly in Group 1. The etiology of large head circumference and increased growth indices in children with autism is unclear.

Subsequent late diagnosis of ASD after an initial ASD-negative comprehensive assessment is a common clinical experience. Reasons for this scenario may include evolving diagnosis as well as missed and overdiagnosed cases of ASD.

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has been steadily rising. In most parts of the world, rates as high as 1 % are reported, including in the United States. In Israel, previously reported prevalence rates have been in the 0.2 % range, and were based on parental reporting of diagnosis. In this study, records from one of the largest Israeli Health Maintenance organizations were used to calculate both incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Israel. Israeli prevalence of ASD was calculated at 0.48 % for 1-12 years olds and 0.65 % for 8 year old children in 2010, higher than previous Israeli reports, but still lower than prevalence estimates for the US. Incidence calculations ranged from 0.65 to 0.84 per 1,000 children for children 1-12 year olds. Reasons for these differences are suggested and discussed.

BackgroundThere is a global trend of large increases in the prevalence and incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to address potential causes of these major changes.MethodsThe authors used a large cohort to analyze data employing patients’ electronic medical records, with physicians’ diagnosis of ADHD, including records of medication purchases.ResultsThe prevalence of ADHD diagnoses rose twofold from 6.8% to 14.4% between 2005 and 2014 (p < 0.001), while the ratio of males to females with ADHD decreased from 2.94 in 2005 to 1.86 in 2014 (p < 0.001). The incidence increased, peaking in 2011 before declining in 2014. ADHD medication usage by children and adolescents was 3.57% in 2005 and 8.51% by 2014 (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe report a dramatic increase in the rate of ADHD diagnoses. One of the leading factors to which we attribute this increase is the physicians’ and parents’ changed attitude towards diagnosing attention/hyperactivity problems, with more parents appear to consider ADHD diagnosis and treatment as a means to improve their child’s academic achievements, commonly with the aid of medications. This change in attitude may also be associated with the dramatic increase in female ADHD diagnosis prevalence.