Do children with autism like to watch television?

Children with autism spectrum disorder may or may not like to watch television. Some children with autism may be drawn to the visual and auditory stimuli that television provides. Others may find television to be over stimulating or overwhelming. There are a wide variety of reasons why children with autism might enjoy watching TV. Some research suggests that TV may provide a form of self-regulation for children with autism, helping them to calm down or focus. Additionally, TV may be a way for children with autism to learn about the world around them, especially if they have difficulty interacting with people in real life. Also, some children may simply enjoy the entertainment value of TV. Some children with autism may have difficulty understanding what is happening on television, or they may find the pace of television to be too fast. Others may be interested in television, but they may not be able to stay focused for long periods of time. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not children with autism like to watch television.

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