A recent study conducted by the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi indicates that infants exposed to excessive screen time before the age of one are at a higher risk of displaying signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by the age of three. The research involved 250 children aged between three and six years, including 150 children diagnosed with autism and 100 with typical developmental milestones. Findings revealed that children with autism exhibited problematic media use, sleep disturbances, and lower physical activity levels. Dr. Sheffali Gulati, a pediatric neurology professor at AIIMS, emphasized the importance of developing structured screen-time guidelines and early identification methods for autism. The study aligns with previous international research, including a 2022 study in 'JAMA Pediatrics' that linked longer screen time at age one to increased autism risk at age three. Dr. Gulati highlighted that while autism has a genetic basis, environmental factors such as screen exposure could also play a significant role in its development. Early identification of autism signs, such as lack of eye contact and delayed speech, is crucial for effective intervention, especially given that brain plasticity is highest in early childhood. The prevalence of autism is reportedly rising, with current estimates suggesting about 1 in 100 children globally may be affected.