Surge in autism cases in Ghana linked to excessive screen time- Paediatric Expert
By Daniel NONOR, Accra
Excessive screen time has been identified as a significant contributing factor to the rise in autism diagnoses among children in Ghana.
Dr. Yvonne Nana Ama Brew, a neurodevelopmental paediatrician at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, warns that the increasing prevalence of autism is closely associated with children spending too much time in front of screens.
Globally, autism rates vary, with some countries reporting that one in 50 children are affected, while others report one in 500. Although the prevalence of autism in Ghana is not well-documented, the last five to six years have seen a marked increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism or showing signs of the disorder.
According to Dr. Brew, the number of children presenting with communication challenges has soared from 10% in 2016 to 30% in 2024.
She noted that many children with autism who report at her facility have parents who do not interact with them sufficiently. “These parents often leave their kids with phones, TV, tablets, and cartoons, leading the children to form attachments to these items rather than to their parents.”
She referenced World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which suggest that children under two years should have zero screen time, and children aged three to five years should have only one hour of screen time per day.
Dr. Brew explained further that, “A child cannot attend school for three hours, then come home and watch screens for another three hours, and expect normal development. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines.”
She has thus emphasized the need for a parent-led approach to early diagnosis and treatment.
“All children should be screened regularly from birth. When you take your child for weighing, ask for developmental screening. It’s very, very important because picking up the symptoms early is crucial,” she stressed.
She emphasized that the increase in diagnosed cases presents an urgent need for early intervention and consistent screening. Dr. Brew explained that while it is difficult to pinpoint when the brain’s development becomes fixed and a diagnosis becomes permanent, early detection can significantly improve outcomes. “The brain can be very plastic in children, so starting early screening is extremely important. We screen all children from zero to five years consistently, and this early assessment is crucial for identifying and addressing developmental issues,” she stated.
