Supporting Neurodivergent Children with Screen Time Challenges

YouTube, online games, social media, and other digital activities can offer a lot for children and teens – entertainment, creativity, and even meaningful social connections with like-minded peers. But for many families, managing screen time can feel like a constant battle, especially when a child is neurodivergent.

Children and teens who are autistic, have ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent often experience unique challenges when it comes to switching off or regulating their screen use. This isn’t about lack of willpower – it’s about how their brains process attention, transitions, and stimulation differently.

1. Difficulty with Transitions

Many neurodivergent children already find it challenging to shift their attention from one task to another. Digital activities – with their instant rewards, fast pace, and immersive design – make that shift even harder. When asked to log off or turn off a device, big reactions are more common, and this can lead to stress for both the child and their parents.

2. Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus is a well-known characteristic in many neurodivergent profiles. When gaming or using devices, children may become so deeply immersed that time passes unnoticed. This can easily lead to overexposure, impacting sleep, mood, physical activity, and even family routines.

3. Overstimulation

The online world moves fast – flashing visuals, quick feedback, and endless streams of content. Neurodivergent children can be more sensitive to this constant input, making overstimulation more likely. Without structured breaks, what started as fun can tip into overwhelm, irritability, or meltdowns.

How Families Can Help

Supporting healthy screen use doesn't have to be about eliminating technology completely – you can create a structure that works for your child’s needs and your family’s rhythm. Here are some strategies that can make a meaningful difference:

• Prepare for transitions: Give advance notice before screen time ends. Visual timers, countdowns, or even a brief “one more level” agreement can help reduce the shock of stopping abruptly.

  
  

• Build predictability: Consistent routines around when, where, and how long devices are used can make expectations clearer and reduce arguments. The key is to stick to these so that it becomes the norm for your child.
  

• Encourage regular breaks: Short, frequent breaks (for a drink, a stretch, or a quick chat) help reset attention and reduce overstimulation. Time outside is the best option!
  

• Set boundaries around bedtime: Night-time use is a major risk for sleep disruption. Create a “wind-down” period free from devices at least 30–60 minutes before bed and definitely do not have devices in their room with them overnight! Alarm clocks can easily replace the morning alarm on their phone.
  

• Offer meaningful alternatives: Instead of just saying “get off the screen,” guide your child toward engaging offline options – activities that meet the same needs for stimulation, connection, or relaxation and are aligned with their interests.
  

• Model healthy use: Children notice how we interact with our own devices. They will quickly adopt the idea that I need a device when I'm waiting or to relax if that's what they see. Comment on what you are doing on your device to show them the purpose e.g. "I'm sending Nanna a text to tell her what time the party is tomorrow" "I'm checking the opening time for the cafe" or "I'm sending a work email" then put the device away once you have done this.

  
  

• Collaborate, don’t control: Where possible, involve your child and teen in setting limits and problem-solving that protect their health. This fosters ownership and can reduce resistance. See our post on two great books to kick-start these conversations.
  

• Support their efforts: Keep in mind that teenagers prefrontal cortex hasn't fully developed, this will occur closer to 25 years old. This means that they don't have the same ability as adults to consider the bigger picture (e.g. longer-term health outcomes) and are developmentally more likely to act 'in the moment.' This makes keeping to limits on device use harder - parents you may well have to step in and help them with this.

  
  

And most importantly – compassion matters. These challenges aren’t a sign of failure on your part or theirs. With understanding, communication, and ongoing support, use of technology can become a healthier, less stressful part of family life.