Why Screen Time Can Be Helpful for Neurodivergent Kids

We’re here to say it: We’re a screen-time family and we’re not sorry about it.

With two parents working entirely online and a household full of big feelings, big energy, and even bigger imaginations, screens aren’t just part of our life, they’re part of our connection, our learning, and our regulation toolbox. And we know we’re not the only ones.

Screen time can be helpful for neurodivergent kids way beyond 'zoning out'.

They can be safe, predictable, and engaging spaces that offer structure, stimulation, and even social connection — especially when the offline world feels overwhelming.

So what if, instead of worrying about how much screen time your children have, consider:

• What kind of screen time are they having?

• What’s it helping them with?

• What else is going on in their world that might make this their chosen safe space?

  
  

Rethinking Screen Time in Neurodivergent Homes

For neurodivergent kids, in particular, screens can be a lifeline. They offer predictable routines, accessible learning formats, a space to explore special interests, and even a safe social outlet. In a world that often feels too much, screens can give their nervous system a break without taking away their curiosity or creativity.

• Regulation and calm: Screens offer predictable input — visuals, sounds, patterns — that can help soothe sensory systems, especially in moments of overwhelm or burnout.
  

• Active movement: YouTube channels like Danny Go involve dancing and following instructions that encourage children to get up and move during screen time. Most consoles have dancing games also.
  

• It supports their special interests: You name the topic, the internet probably has a rabbit hole of resources ready to dive into — and if you're raising a neurodivergent child, you know how real the passion for niche interests is. Ever had to Google “age-appropriate natural disaster videos” at 6am? Yep. Us too. Screen time can be helpful for neurodivergent kids, giving them the chance to learn, explore, and feel seen in their favourite topics.
  

• It builds literacy skills: Whether it’s Ms Rachel singing her way through speech development milestones, apps that encourage phonics and reading, or interactive books with built-in narration, screens can absolutely support early literacy, and they’re often more engaging for kids who struggle with traditional learning formats.
  

• It sparks creativity: From digital drawing and colouring apps to animation programs and storytelling games, screens can provide safe spaces for creative expression — especially for kids who get overwhelmed by the pressure of getting things “perfect” on paper (hello, 'undo' button!).
  

• It enhances communication: Communication devices and AAC apps open up whole new ways for kids to express themselves, make requests, and feel understood. And even good ol’ FaceTime can help build bonds with family, like giggling with Grandma while showing her your latest Lego creation.
  

• It regulates and calms: For some kids, the predictability and structure of screen-based play helps regulate their nervous system. Whether it’s a familiar cartoon, a quiet visual game, or a rhythmic app, screens can bring peace in the midst of big emotions or sensory overload.
  

• It offers social connection on their terms: Gaming, messaging, and watching videos about shared interests can provide a social outlet that feels safe and manageable — especially for children who prefer parallel play or find real-time social interaction overwhelming.

  
  

But What About The Downsides?

Let’s be real — not all screen time is magically 'good'. This isn’t a free pass to let your child watch unmoderated content just because it’s calming. You do still have to be a responsible grown-up (sorry). It’s our job to keep an eye on what they’re watching and how it’s affecting them and to gently step in when something feels off.

But here’s what we don’t need to do: panic every time our kid picks up a tablet. Or assume that more screen time automatically equals worse outcomes.

Sometimes, what looks like “too much screen time” is actually your child asking for comfort, control, or connection — just in a way that works for their brain.

Instead of taking it away and ramping up the shame, ask:

• What are they trying to get from this moment?

• Are they dysregulated? Burned out? Overstimulated?

• Do they need more support… or simply time to decompress?

And especially for autistic children, this part matters: If your child is in burnout — that bone-deep exhaustion where even basic tasks feel too hard — screen time might be one of the only things that doesn’t feel like too much. In those moments, taking it away because of arbitrary limits can do more harm than good. Relief is not the enemy. It might actually be the bridge back to feeling okay.

So yes, boundaries are important.

But so is compassion.

We don’t need to fear screen time — we need to understand it better.