TV and autism
October 17, 2006Cornell researchers say there seems to be a distinct connection between autism and TV watching by very young children. States where the study took place include California, Washington state, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The proliferation of VCRs and cable TV coincides with the alarming rise of autism starting in 1980.
The researchers are careful to state that they have not found the specific cause of autism. But what they do say should give anyone with kids under 3 serious food for thought.
We live in an age when infants watch videos, and youngsters are kept occupied with DVDs in the back seat during long trips.
Those who follow autism news might be wondering about the Amish, who have extremely low rates of the disorder. The Amish do not watch TV.
