Parental perceptions of media use by children with autism

Dejan Filipovski, Maria Davchevska

Abstract

This research is about parental perceptions and experiences regarding the use of media (television, Internet, games, etc.) by children with autism. The research methodology includes semi-structured interviews with parents of 22 children with autism who are a representative sample, that is, they differ in age, gender, education, and economic status, and inclusive of an ethical approach showing their personal experiences and perceptions. The research also includes the use of observation logs kept by parents for 30 days. The analysis of the interviews with parents of children with autism reveals that the use of media is often seen as a means of improving their children's communication skills. Parents often report that interactive programs and video games help children develop information-gathering and problem-solving skills. The analysis of the observation logs also shows that more than half of the parents reported positive effects of media use on children's emotional regulation. A significant correlation was also found between the time spent in front of the TV or the Internet and their ability to deal with stressful situations. Research further reveals that media have significant potential to improve the lives of children with autism, particularly in the context of emotional regulation and socialization. However, a recommendation is to have a balanced approach and parental support to avoid negative effects and maximize the advantages of media use in these cases. The conclusions of this research are of great importance for the development of inclusive policies for children with autism and they are the basis for the development of improved strategies and programs that will improve the living conditions and the inclusion of this population in various segments of the community.

Keywords: parental perceptions, media, children with autism