Why the Term ‘Virtual Autism’ Warrants Caution

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Krijnen, L. J., Scheeren, A., van Asselt, A., Begeer, S., & Plak, R. D. (2026). Why the Term ‘Virtual Autism’ Warrants Caution. Autism, 30(6), 1632-1634. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261434478

Publication date: 23 Mar 2026 Added to AutiHub: 6 Aug 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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5
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 5 (20.0%)
  1. Lisa JG Krijnen
  2. Anke Scheeren
  3. Alvin van Asselt *
  4. Sander Begeer
  5. Rachel D. Plak

Abstract

The term virtual autism has recently been used to describe autism-like behaviors in young children following prolonged exposure to screens. The use of the word autism in this context raises conceptual and ethical concerns by reinforcing outdated ideas about parental blame, misrepresenting the nature of autism as we currently understand it, and causing misunderstanding about autism among the general public. We call for more precise and responsible language and advocate for an alternative term that better reflects the environmental basis of the phenomenon, such as screen-related developmental delay. Lay Abstract The term virtual autism has been used to describe autistic-like behaviors in young children that result from spending a lot of time using screens. Using the word autism in this context can cause confusion. It may lead people to wrongly believe that autism is caused by screen use and bring back outdated ideas that blame parents. We argue that this term can be misleading for parents, teachers, and the general public. Instead, we suggest using a clearer term like screen-related developmental delay to better reflect the environmental causes of these behaviors.

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7
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
1 / 7 (14.3%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
1 / 51 (2.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 1 / 17 (5.9%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 1 / 51 (2.0%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
17 / 51 (33.3%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 17 / 51 (33.3%)
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16 / 17 (94.1%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 16 / 51 (31.4%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 16 / 17 (94.1%).
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