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Autistic daughter addicted to screens and expresses self hatred when they're switched off - help

Kaye

Hi,

My 11 year old daughter, diagnosed last summer, seems hopelessly addicted to screens. When she had set periods of screen time, she'd have massive meltdowns and get very violent when the screens were switched off. The school and early help worker advised that the screens were her safe place and to let her have them more.

However, she now does nothing else. I feel powerless to change the situation. She is very tall and strong for her age (more like a strong 15 year old than 11).

I don't know what to do! She is very intellectual, is in a mainstream school and masks all day long. I don't mind screens on school days so much as being at school puts a natural limit. Holidays are an issue though. 

Also, I'm concerned that she expresses that she wants to kill herself, hates her life, cannot change when she's in a Meltdown.

Any advice, please?

Many thanks. 

Parents

  • I am sorry to hear of your issues, which are certainly not uncommon.  Short of disconnecting the wireless or reducing screen time, there is little you can do, and that needs to be balanced against the behaviour it will induce should you do it.

    I can only imagine that the problem is accentuated during the current Easter holidays, and many would suggest the key to having a healthier, balanced life is to spend more time outdoors - with friends, perhaps engaging in new hobbies or pursuits and trying different things that would at least break up the day and provide some balance. 

    Easier said than done.

    Do you have any input from CAMHS?  Does she have friends that go out and take part in outdoor activities?  Are there any clubs/sports/social groups that she might be interested in?  

    You could try speaking to your GP about social prescribing for children.  The aim here is to connect people with groups & activities to give them different outlooks & perspectives.

    If she is continuing to cause concern with statements about harming herself, please don't hesitate to call a healthcare professional. 

    I wish you luck. 

Reply

  • I am sorry to hear of your issues, which are certainly not uncommon.  Short of disconnecting the wireless or reducing screen time, there is little you can do, and that needs to be balanced against the behaviour it will induce should you do it.

    I can only imagine that the problem is accentuated during the current Easter holidays, and many would suggest the key to having a healthier, balanced life is to spend more time outdoors - with friends, perhaps engaging in new hobbies or pursuits and trying different things that would at least break up the day and provide some balance. 

    Easier said than done.

    Do you have any input from CAMHS?  Does she have friends that go out and take part in outdoor activities?  Are there any clubs/sports/social groups that she might be interested in?  

    You could try speaking to your GP about social prescribing for children.  The aim here is to connect people with groups & activities to give them different outlooks & perspectives.

    If she is continuing to cause concern with statements about harming herself, please don't hesitate to call a healthcare professional. 

    I wish you luck. 

Children
  • in reply to overwhelmed & underwhelmed ( O & U )

    Thank you very much. Unfortunately she's lost interest in hockey, which she had been enjoying. She does want to join the gym so that's something I need to look at. Hopefully it'll at least get her out if the house a few times a week. 

    She has a camhs referral a while ago but she's not willing to get any help so they couldn't offer her anything at this stage. That was a while ago though, so perhaps I should try again.

    Thanks for your reply. This is the first time I've found this forum, and I'm grateful to know I'm not alone in this.