Toy Story 5 has sparked debate among parents about screen time and technology use with children, particularly those with autism or developmental differences.
Conner James Black, associate director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute, weighs in on how families navigate device use. He recommends a practical strategy: keep communication devices separate from entertainment devices rather than combining both functions on a single tablet or phone.
This separation matters because it creates clear boundaries for children. When a device serves only communication purposes, kids understand it as a tool for expressing needs and connecting with others. When the same device doubles as entertainment, the lines blur. A child might grab it expecting to play a game when parents intended it for functional communication.
For families managing autism spectrum disorder or speech delays, communication devices often run specialized software like AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) apps. These applications help non-speaking or minimally speaking children express thoughts, requests, and feelings. Having a dedicated device prevents accidental navigation away from essential communication tools.
The two-device approach also protects against what specialists call "device dependency." Children who use one multipurpose device may develop stronger associations between that tool and entertainment, making it harder to use for its primary therapeutic function.
Parents balancing screen time concerns with their child's communication needs face real tension. Some view entertainment screens as villains stealing attention and development time. Others recognize screens as lifelines, particularly when those same screens provide children with voices they wouldn't otherwise have.
The Child Mind Institute's recommendation acknowledges both perspectives. It respects parents' desire to limit recreational screen exposure while honoring the essential role technology plays in helping some children communicate and learn. For families with communication challenges, this two-device strategy offers a middle path: protection of developmental time alongside access to tools that change children's lives.
The approach works best when families discuss it with their speech-language pathologist or developmental specialist, who can