The digital citizenship of children with autism: Challenges, considerations and educational needs of paediatric practitioners

This exploratory study examined paediatric practitioners' challenges and considerations when they support caregivers and children with autism regarding children's screen use. Current research often focuses on the problematic use of screen time among children with autism. No clear strategies or recommendations for clinicians to support the beneficial use of screens exist yet in the field. Participants in the study were 15 experienced paediatric practitioners invited to participate in semistructured interviews that were analysed using summative content analysis. Practitioners expressed the urgent need for accessible and valuable educational resources to guide digital citizenship and screen time use for their clients with autism. This exploratory study provides an initial roadmap for the educational needs of paediatric practitioners supporting positive screen use and digital citizenship of autistic children.