Below is an interesting article that describes the difficulties children can experience as a result of excessive screen time.
Needless to say, many young children have difficulties making ‘good choices’ when it comes to using the toilet especially when they’re distracted by screens. I often give parents ‘permission to be negative’ with their emotional responses when their child soils/wets themselves, so that the child can learn about good/bad choices when needing to go to the toilet.
As I previously mentioned, the children who find it difficult to transition from one activity to another, often display more ASD tendencies. This article explains the association between screens and ASD tendencies well.
Simply having difficulties with transitioning between activities doesn’t necessarily mean that a child has ASD however. But it does explain some reasons as to why some children experience difficulties with going to the toilet. It only emphasises the need for parents to limit screen time to help children remain continent throughout the day.
By Christine Shearer-Smith