Virtual Autism: A Modern Developmental Concern in the Digital Era

AbstractVirtual autism refers to a set of autism like symptoms observed in young children exposed to excessive screen time during early developmental years. These children may exhibit delayed speech, poor eye contact, social withdrawal, and repetitive behaviours mimicking autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet show significant improvement when screen exposure is reduced and replaced with interactive, real world activities. Though not officially recognized in diagnostic classifications like the DSM-5, virtual autism is gaining clinical attention due to its potential reversibility and increasing prevalence. For pediatric dentists and clinicians, understanding this condition is essential for effective behaviour management and accurate case assessment. A detailed developmental and screen use history is now a critical component of pediatric evaluations.This editorial emphasizes the importance of limiting screen time in early childhood, promoting caregiver child interaction, and raising awareness among health professionals. Early intervention and preventive education can play a pivotal role in reversing or minimizing the effects of virtual autism.Keywords: Virtual autism, Screen time, Child development, Pediatric dentistry, Digital exposure