Is Screen Time Always Bad? | Dr. Gwenn O'Keeffe, MD, JD

In this episode we're tackling the question almost every parent asks me: What about screen time?If you're raising a child with autism, this topic can feel especially charged. You've heard screens are terrible for development, but also that they help children learn. So which is it? And does screen time cause autism?I'm joined by a colleague from our Cortica team in Massachusetts, Dr. Gwen O'Keeffe, MD, JD, to give you clear, science-backed answers without the guilt or judgment. We'll cover whether screens actually cause autism (spoiler: the evidence is inconclusive), why experts are cautious about early screen use, why not all screen time is equal, age-by-age practical guidelines, and special considerations for autistic children—including why some are drawn to screens and when they're helpful versus when they become barriers to connection. I'll also explain why the first few years matter so much, when your child's brain is forming up to a million connections per second, and why interaction beats stimulation every time.The bottom line: screens aren't the problem, it's how they're used that matters. When screen time is balanced, intentional, and shared, it can support learning. When it's passive, isolating, and all-consuming, it can slow progress.Your child learns best not from screens, but from you: your voice, your smile, your presence, and your love.This episode is for you if: You're wondering about screen limits, feeling guilty about screen use, or simply want judgment-free, practical guidance.