At Peace Parents Podcast Ep. 106 - Screens and Your PDA Child or Teen
Apr 1, 2025
Dive into the world of screens and PDA children with insights from over 1,000 families. Discover how screens can enhance focus and creativity while navigating the challenges of parental fears. Learn to critically assess screen-time research and the unique needs of neurodivergent kids. Explore flexible strategies like nighttime limits and content boundaries. Reflect on the societal impact of screens and the importance of validating each family's choices. Embrace screens as neutral tools for growth, skill-building, and supporting your child's development.
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From Strict Limits To Desperate Permission
- Casey described shifting from strict screen limits to allowing unlimited screens during her son's burnout to preserve safety and sanity.
- She observed screens helped him re-engage with drawing, writing, Minecraft, and later productive projects like Etsy and video editing.
Correlation ≠ Causation For PDA Kids
- Casey explained that major screen-time studies show correlations, not causation, and often omit neurodivergent kids.
- She warned against applying neurotypical research conclusions directly to PDA children without nuance.
Burnout Often Comes Before Heavy Screen Use
- Burnout usually predates heavy screen use for many PDA children; parents often had limits before burnout.
- Parents frequently use screens as an accommodation because burnout disables access to basic needs and engagement.