Toy Story 5 has sparked debate among parents about screen time and technology use with children, particularly those with autism or developmental differences.
The film features a storyline that resonates differently depending on family circumstances. Some parents view certain plot elements as cautionary tales about device overuse. Others see the movie's portrayal of technology as validating their own reliance on screens for communication, learning, and emotional regulation with their children.
Conner James Black, associate director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute, offers practical guidance for families navigating this tension. Black recommends establishing two separate devices: one dedicated to communication and another for entertainment. This separation helps children develop clearer boundaries around how they use technology in different contexts.
The distinction matters. A device used primarily for AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) serves a therapeutic function for nonverbal or minimally verbal children. A separate entertainment device allows parents to set different usage rules and expectations.
This approach acknowledges an important reality. For many children with autism or speech delays, apps and devices aren't luxuries or distractions. They're legitimate tools for self-expression, learning, and connection. Tablet-based communication systems have transformed lives and given voice to thousands of children who cannot speak.
At the same time, unlimited entertainment screen time can interfere with sleep, social interaction, and physical activity. The research on this is clear. Setting boundaries around recreational use remains important.
The Toy Story 5 conversation reflects a broader parenting challenge: technology is neither inherently good nor bad. Context and purpose determine its value. A communication app serves a child with autism differently than YouTube videos serve the same child during leisure time.
Parents shouldn't feel guilty about using devices therapeutically or educationally. They should think intentionally about which devices serve which purposes and establish clear expectations around each. Black's two-device strategy offers a practical framework for